Ronald D. Nelson

HOFF FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE, HOUSTON, MINN. 507-864-7771HOUSTON, MINN. - Ronald D. Nelson, 82, of La Crescent, Minn. and formerly of Houston, Minn. died on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at Lake Winona Manor in Winona, Minn. Ronald Dean Nelson was born on December 31, 1932, in La Crosse, Wis. to Henry Leroy and Fern (Hanson) Nelson. Ron was raised and lived most of his life in the Houston area. He graduated from Houston High School where he was a member of the 1950, state football championship team. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and later in the National Guard Reserves. Ron married Mary Dybing on October 31, 1955. They were later divorced. On December 7, 1984, Ron married Arleen Fischer. He worked as a mechanic for many different business' over the years, including, Loerch Implement in Houston, Amoco, at the North Slope of Alaska, and La Crescent Farm and Orchard. Ron farmed and enjoyed rebuilding and flying small aircraft. He also enjoyed traveling, camping, motorcycles, and sports cars. Ron could fix anything with an engine. He was a member of the American Legion, and a life member of the VFW. He was also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) He is survived by his wife, Arleen; five children: Donna (Dave) Wierzgacz, Cecil (Bonnie) Nelson, Harlan (Stacey) Nelson, Darlene (Jerry) Larson, and Shirley (Jeff) Reif; four step-children; 12 grandchildren, one step-grandchild, two great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, and two sisters: Jan (Dick) Slabaugh, and Jeanne (Barry) Nelson; one brother, Dwayne (Jeannette) Nelson; and by numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Henry, and step-daughter (Leslie Fischer).There will be a Memorial Service for Ronald at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church with the Rev. Leonard Liptack officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials directed to the Stone Church Cemetery.