Dennis Wayne Nelson

Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN 56003 507-388-2288 A Celebration of Life for Dennis Nelson, age 83 of Mankato will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary with Rev. Dr. Scott E. Olson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary Monday, February 16, 2015 and continue one hour prior to the service. Burial with full military honors will be held following the service at Minneopa Cemetery. Dennis Wayne Nelson was born July 7, 1931 in Mankato above a toy store on Front Street to Arthur and Helen Nelson. At the age of 16, Dennis enlisted in the United State Army and was stationed in Alaska during the Korean War where he worked as a diesel mechanic. After his honorable discharge, Dennis returned home to work at Hubbard Milling, a job he did for many years. It was in 1974 that he proudly started F & N Equipment Company. It was because of his hard work ethic and dedication that this company was successful. Dennis married his best friend LaDonna Johnson on December 23, 1956. Together, the couple had fifty-eight memorable years together. Dennis' biggest accomplishment in life was being a loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family outdoors; whether it was traveling the North Shore, hunting, fishing or canoeing. He took great pride in building his family a home in the country, where he spent many hours creating a picturesque landscape. He also had a private pilot's license that he used to fly all around Southern Minnesota. He was a proud Elk's member for many years where he helped to continue their mission of building a stronger community. It was with great faith that his family was able to be there with Denny as he peacefully passed away at Regency Hospital in Golden Valley on February 12, 2015. Denny lived a full life of 83 years. He is survived by his wife, LaDonna Nelson of Mankato; daughters, Jody (Corey) Seppmann of Mankato and Shelly Nelson of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren Megan, Gretchen and Zachary Seppmann; sister, Sharon Nelson-Vaux; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Richard and Darrell.