Douglas Nelson

Douglas E. Nelson, 81, of Fargo, ND, died Sunday, March 16, 2008, at MeritCare Palliative Care, Fargo. Doug was born April 6, 1926, in Viborg, South Dakota, the son of Ertel and Marie (Fetzner) Nelson. He attended rural schools and graduated from Wakonda, South Dakota High School. After graduation, at 17, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Air Force from 1943 – 1946. He was a navigator on a B-25 Bomber, learning to use the new navigational device, radar. Like many WWII veterans he returned to college on the G.I. Bill beginning at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion in pre-med. He transferred to South Dakota State University and graduated in 1951, with a degree in electrical engineering. He married Dorothy Bentley on June 17, 1951, in Pierre, South Dakota. They had three children, Cynthia, Jeffrey and Robert. The family lived in Sioux Falls, SD, Red Wing, MN, Minnetonka, MN, and Fargo, ND. Doug was employed as an engineer by N.S.P. and McGraw Edison. He accepted an engineering position with Border States Electric in Fargo in 1973 and retired in 1986, due to failing health. Doug was involved in many service organizations such as the Kiwannis, Jaycees, Boy Scouts, Little League and the various churches in the places he and his family lived. He especially loved being the “Train Man” at the Younkers Children’s Museum. He used his woodworking skills in many ways both at home and for others. He loved to solve problems in a creative way. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; daughter Cindy (Al) Purdy; son, Jeff (Colleen) Nelson; and son, Bob Nelson; sister, Mary (Orville) Loen; sister-in-law, Verna Nelson; and five grandchildren; Jennifer Nelson, Rebecca Nelson, Patrick Nelson, Megan Purdy and Zachary Purdy; as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Ellwyn and Miles. Memorials can be made to Palliative Care Unit, MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, ND, and First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Funeral Services: Thursday, March 20, 2008, at 10:30 AM, at First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.