Dr. Robert Lawrence Nelson, DDS, Ph.D

Dr. Robert Lawrence Nelson, DDS, Ph.D, age 76, went home to be with Jesus on May 8, 2022, after a 26+ year battle with multiple sclerosis. Robert accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord at age 21 through the influence of his future wife, Norma. His faith became the foundation of his daily living, and God was his strength and helper through many difficult situations.

Bob met Norma at Wilson High School in St Paul. They started dating after high school for four years before being married on August 20, 1967. Bob and Norma were married for 53 years. Bob studied at the University of Minnesota and graduated from the School of Dentistry in 1969. He completed his Oral Surgery residency in 1972 and received his Ph.D in Anatomy in 1975.

They moved to Mankato in 1976 and was in private practice of oral surgery from 1976-2000. They joined the Covenant Church in 1978. He volunteered with the youth at church, leading Covenant Crusaders/AWANA 6th graders and helped lead mission trips to Jackson, Mississippi, China, and Russia. He was an active leader in bible study fellowship for almost 20 years and helped lead the children's program. Bob and Norma tutored immigrants to help them improve English reading and comprehension skills. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, national parks, and being outdoors.

Bob is survived by sons, Eric (Shelly) of Fond Du Lac, WI, Matthew (Cara) of Arden Hills, MN, and Jonathan (Lurae) of St. Cloud, MN; 7 treasured grandchildren, Caleb, Abigail, Thomas, Jessica, Ellianna, Betsy, and Jillian. He is also survived by his mother, Marilyn; brother, Dick (Karen) Nelson; brother-in-law, Dan (Donna) Berry; and sister-in-law, Nancy (Bill) Clute.

He was preceded in death by his father, Warren; wife, Norma; and brother/sister-in-law, Doug and Nancy Berry.

Special thanks to all friends and family who prayed for and visited Bob and Norma through the years.

Visitation with the family will be held from 3-5pm, Friday, May 20, 2022 at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary. A celebration of Bob's life will begin at 10:30am, Saturday, May 21, 2022 at New Creation World Outreach Church (1124 N. River Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003). Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park in Saint Anthony, MN at 3pm. For those who were unable to attend Bob’s service, a recording can be found at:

https://vimeo.com/713433865/339aa66b55

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Samaritan's Purse or another Christ-based charity. Regards to the family can be sent by mail to Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary, ATTN: Robert Nelson family, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003.