Memorial services for Teddy (Ted) Laverne Nelson, 66, formerly of Albert Lea will be held at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home at a date to be scheduled for spring.
Teddy (Ted) Laverne Nelson passed away at the New Richland Care Center in New Richland on the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009. He will be greatly missed; however his family knows he is now in God’s hands and resting in peace.
Ted was born in Albert Lea on March 25, 1943, to R. H. Calvin Nelson and Anita Rosella (Mohr) Nelson and grew up there with his four younger sisters. He graduated from Albert Lea High School and went on to join the Air Force where he ultimately served as an excellent cook at the Bentwaters/Woodbridge Base near Felixstowe, England. His family often lamented at his resistance to sharing these skills in later life except for when he was spending much loved time at his cabin on Tom Lake near Grand Marais and then only with his hunting and fishing buddies.
Ted married Carolyn Louise Pierson on April 20, 1963, prior to beginning his military service. While stationed in England, Ted and Carolyn had twin daughters, Sarah Ann and Susan Marie. Upon returning to the United States after completing his service, Ted and his family lived in Albert Lea for a time and then chose to move to Glenville. A third daughter, Ann Marie, was born in 1974.
Ted was employed with Boyd and Jacks Supervalue for almost 25 years and was very proud of his status as store manager. He also worked at Shopko and Korner Mart, all located in Albert Lea. Ted enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on automobiles and especially spending time at the family cabin on Tom Lake (or dreaming about it when not there). He attended Grace Lutheran Church growing up and First Lutheran Church in Glenville as an adult. He was very proud of his perfect attendance in Sunday School until he graduated from high school.
Ted had many challenges the last 17 years of his life and his family and friends continued to be amazed by his perseverance, or just plain stubbornness, as he overcame them and continued on. While this trait was often challenging for us, it is what kept him going, and to be admired. He will truly have a better life with God, has all the music CDs he could hope for and that he is fishing and hunting to his heart’s content now.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the caretakers that supported Ted during the past 17 years. It was often difficult and you all are truly to be blessed for your time and assistance.
Ted is survived by his former wife, Carolyn Nelson of Albert Lea; daughters Sarah A. Nelson of Albert Lea, Susan M. Nelson of Thompson Station, Tenn., and Ann M. Nelson of Franklin; sisters Sandra Berven of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Connie Johanson and her husband Russ of Ramsey, Jeanne Jaspersen and her husband Dennis of Albert Lea and Jeannette Cox and her husband Lee of Rochester; many aunts, uncles, many nieces and nephews; and his lifelong friend, Robert (Cobb) Knutson of Albert Lea.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents; and mother and father-in-law, Lyle and Lila Pierson.
Family and friends may contact his daughter Sarah for more information at (507)402-6200.