Thorild "Tory" K. Nelson

Thorild “Tory” K. Nelson, age 94, of rural Nicollet, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2025, at Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato. Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m., Sunday at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Swan Lake Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato, Swan Lake Lutheran Church, the Nicollet County Historical Society or an organization of the donor’s choice.

Thorild was born June 6, 1930, in New Ulm, Minnesota, he was the son of Gottfred and Alice (Peterson) Nelson of Nicollet.

Tory spent nearly his entire life on the shores of Swan Lake, leaving only to serve in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. Upon returning home, he purchased a tiling machine and began a farm drainage business with his two brothers, Narve and Einer called Nelson Brothers Tiling. His son, Karlen now owns and operated the business.

Deeply proud of his Norwegian heritage, Tory owned and cherished the farm his great-grandfather, Guldbrand Peterson, homesteaded in 1856. He visited Norway several times, delighting in connecting with distant relative-and, true to his roots, never passed up a chance to enjoy desserts topped with whipped cream.

On July 7, 1957, Tory married Ardith W. Wentzel of rural St. James, Minnesota. Together, they raised three children, Coleen, Jill, and Karlen.

A lifelong farmer and drainage contractor, Tory worked tirelessly until 2012, spending his final years “assisting” his son. Beyond his work, he and Ardith enjoyed bowling, card games, the Nicollet County Couples Club, and traveling. He was also deeply involved in his church and community, holding various leadership roles.

Tory had a gift for tinkering-whether repairing cars, machinery, or crafting woodwork-and took great joy in creating things with his hands. He especially loved helping his grandchildren with 4-H projects, one of which earned recognition in the New York Times Magazine.

Tory never met a stranger. He delighted in striking up conversations, learning about people’s lives, and sharing stories. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Thorild is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ardith; two children, Jill (Andrew) Deurmier of San Antonio, TX and Karlen (Michele Metzger) Nelson of rural Nicollet; son-in-law, Steve (Liz) Nelson of Maplewood; three grandchildren, Amelia, Thorild W., and Elizabeth; two brothers-in-law, Arden Wentzel and Dan Wolf; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Tory was preceded in death by his parents, Gottfred and Alice Nelson; parents-in-law, William and Melinda Wentzel; daughter, Coleen; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Narve (Vreela) Nelson and Einar (Marlys) Nelson; brothers-and sisters-in-law, Arnold (Dorothea) Wentzel, Carolyn Wentzel, Arvid “Pete” (Joyce) Wentzel, and Arlynne Wolf.