Keith R. Nelson, 64, died on the morning of March 12, 2010, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester from cancer. Keith had been living at Cronin Home in Rochester prior to admission to hospital. He was born on Nov. 10, 1945, in Albert Lea to Doris (Lien) Nelson and Knute Nelson. Keith had one sister Donna (Parnell) Nelson whom proceeded him in death. They were very close as siblings and throughout life.
He began elementary school in one room schoolhouse in Twin Lakes and later graduated from Albert Lea High School. In 1966, Keith was drafted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He did very well in the military receiving recognition and advancement during his time served. Keith lived an independent life mostly in southern parts of Minnesota. The last 20 years he lived and enjoyed residing in Rochester. He enjoyed fishing, camping and the outdoors. For those close to him, knew Keith had a warm heart and a great sense of humor. His laugh and smile are on the hearts of family and friends.
Keith is survived by his daughter, Tammi Nelson, and son-in-law Chris Nelson and granddaughter Samantha Nelson. Niece, Jill (Watts) Burrow, nephews Michael Watts and Jeffrey Watts, aunt Bernice (Nelson) Schmitt, cousins David Schmitt, Lynn Schmitt, Kevin Schmitt and Scott Schmitt, uncle Marvin Nelson and wife Coleen Nelson, cousins Christopher Nelson and Brandon Nelson. His close friend Paul Brinson died one month prior to him.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 16, at 4 p.m. at Bonnerup Funeral Home, 2210 Main St., Albert Lea. Keith will later be buried at Lunder Lutheran Cemetery.
Thank you to Cronin Home, St. Mary’s Hospital and Golden Living Center in Rochester and also to the burn unit at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis for the great care they gave to Keith throughout his successes and triumphs over the big obstacles in life.