William "Bill" B. Nelson

Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN 56003 (507) 388-2288 William "Bill" B. Nelson, age 84, of North Mankato, MN passed away peacefully on December 5, 2014, at Autumn Grace Senior Services in Mankato. Memorial Gathering to celebrate his life and share stories will be held on December 13th from 2pm-4pm at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, MN. A private prayer service for immediate family will be held prior to the visitation. A burial will be held in the spring at Woodland Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are made to VINE Faith in Action, MRCI, or Autumn Grace Senior Services. Bill was born February 12th, 1930 in Bloomer, WI to Ivan and Juletta (Knutson) Nelson and graduated from high school in Le Sueur, MN. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He then went on to graduate from Minnesota State University Mankato in 1956 with a B.S degree. Following graduation he coached football and taught business for 5 years at East Chain Consolidated School near Fairmont. He returned to MSU to complete his Master's Degree in Health and Physical Education. He was employed by MSU as assistant football coach, under Bob Otto, was Business Manager of the Athletic Department, Assistant Athletic Director, Acting Chairperson of the Health and Science Department and Professor of Health Sciences which he held until he retired in 1994. During his time at MSU, he was a driving force in bringing the Minnesota Vikings to Mankato for training camp. He was inducted in to the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1983 and was voted Most Appreciated Teacher of the Year in 1993 by his students. In addition to his commitment to MSU, Bill and his wife Marlene owned the Big T Tastee Freeze Restaurant until the 1980's, along with food stands that were in operation at the Madison East Mall until the mid-90's. Bill had a big heart and enjoyed being around people. Even in the face of his Alzheimer's, he still had his witty and sarcastic sense of humor. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; son, Brent; daughter, Nicole Huyen and her husband, Roland; two grandchildren, Liam and Cozette; two sisters-in-law, Orie Nelson and Carol Nelson; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers' James and Allyn and sister, Janet. The family wishes to express its gratitude to the staff and personnel at Autumn Grace and Pathstone Adult Day Care for their excellent care and support.