The funeral service for Russell F. Nelson, of Alden, will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Conger. The Rev. Susan Wallager will officiate. Interment will be in the Conger Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. today at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, and one hour before service at the church.

Russell died on Monday, Dec. 27, 2004, at St. John’s Lutheran Home. He was 84 years old.

Russell Floyd Nelson was born to Nels L. and Tillie (Walker) Nelson on March 26, 1920, near Bricelyn, in Faribault County. He was baptized and confirmed at the Bricelyn Lutheran Church. He attended rural school in the Bricelyn area. At a very young age he began working as a farm laborer in the Bricelyn area and in 1938 he moved to the Conger area and continued working for area farmers. On Nov. 25, 1943, he married Erma Radke at Concordia Pickerel Lake Lutheran Church. In 1946 Russell started fanning west of Conger and continued to farm until he retired.

He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and served on the church council. Russell loved to go fishing, hunting, playing cards and going on short trips.

Russell is survived by his wife, Erma of 61 years; daughter, JoAnn Nelson of Coon Rapids, Minn.; son, Wayne (Linda) Nelson of Southwest Conger; grandchildren: Eric (Vicki) Hemme of Kaukauna, Wis., Kelly (Mike) Schultz of North St. Paul, Mindy Hemme of St. Paul, Nicholas (Lindy) Nelson of Alden, Alyse Nelson of rural Alden, Jeremy (Darcy) Johnson of rural Alden, and Nathan (Nicole) Johnson of Albert Lea; 14 great grandchildren; sister, Lila Fisher; brother, Milburn (Phyllis) Nelson; sister-in-law, Helen Nelson, all of Albert Lea; and many nieces and nephews.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents: Nels and Tillie Nelson; sister, Pearl Fisher; and brother, Chester.

Russell will always be remembered for his sense of humor and the love and care he gave to his family and friends, as he was a very friendly and caring person. He always enjoyed having the grandchildren come and visit.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads Community Hospice.