Clayton Monroe Nelson, age 85, of Ellendale, died Saturday, March 11, 2006, at Homestead Hospice House, Owatonna.

&8220;Clayt&8221; was born June 10, 1920, in Clarks Grove, the son of Arnold and Hilda Nelson. He graduated from Ellendale High School in 1939. He was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea in July 1946.&160; He was united in marriage to Audrienne Ellingson on Aug. 18, 1946, at the First Lutheran Church in Ellendale.

He worked at the Nelson Dairy until 1946. In 1946 he began his banking career at Security State Bank as a teller. In 1960, he became the President and CEO at the bank and remained in that capacity until he retired in 1986.

During his career he was a member of the Ellendale Commercial Club, served as the city treasurer for over 25 years, Boy Scout Master and Charter Member of the Lion’s Club. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Ellendale, served on the church council as a Trustee and President of the church, Superintendent of Sunday School and also a member of the church choir.

His hobbies included traveling, golf, oil painting, wood working, but his greatest joy was designing and creating stained glass. He designed and completed many windows for churches and homes. Clayt treasured the moments he spent with his family especially with his granddaughters.

Clayt was a very caring, patient, kind person and was always there to help others.

Clayt is survived by his wife, Audrienne; sons Marty (Lee) and Dan of Ellendale; his granddaughters Nancy Nelson of Woodbury, Minn. and Heidi (Ryan) Nelson Baldwin of Hugo, Minn.; his brother Gilmore (Clarine) Nelson of Ellendale and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Lloyd Nelson, sister in law Berniece Nelson and his parents.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 15, at Bonnerup Funeral Home in Ellendale from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Arne Halbakken will officiate the service. Burial will be at the First Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorials may be given to First Lutheran Church or Homestead Hospice House, Owatonna.