Dennis Nelson, 92

Reverend Dennis Nelson passed away on September 27, 2010 at the age of 92, in Wadena.

Dennis John Nelson was born December 27, 1917 to William Arthur and Ellen Theresa (Hogdin) Nelson in Holmes City. He graduated from Alexandria High School in 1938 and teachers’ training in 1940.

Dennis served in the United States Army during WWII. Then he was employed by the Social Security Administration as a field representative for 30 years. After retirement at 55, he attended and graduated from Crown College in 1974, and Bemidji State University in 1978. He was ordained by the Christian and Missionary Alliance and served at Oylen Christian and Missionary Alliance from 1974 to 1981.

After a second retirement, Dennis opened the Baroque Keyboard Workshop in Wadena. He hand built several harpsichords and other instruments, and repaired church organs. He also filled in as pastor, and taught “55 Alive” classes.

Dennis and his family lived in Bemidji from 1946 into the 1970s. He was very involved with church ministry, serving in leadership positions and as choir director. He played viola in the Bemidji Orchestra. Dennis was a lifelong student and enjoyed reading, gardening and his family.

Dennis was married to Viola L. Johnson on June 5, 1940. He is survived by his children, Judith (Bruce) Chelf of Porter, IN, Dwight (Clarice Sappington) of California, MO, Nancy (Wayne) Porter of East Grand Forks, Naomi (Lawrence) Olson of LaGrange, GA, Rosalie (Charles) Anderson of Louisville, KY, Timothy (Andrea Portinga) of Brooklyn Center; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert A. Nelson of Alexandria; and sister, Florence Mobley of Alabama. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Viola, in 2006; twin daughters, Sonia and Solveig, in 1959; his parents; and his sister, Rose Wood.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on October 1, 2010 in the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Wadena, with Pastors Vaughn White and Murray Jacobson officiating. Military honors were provided by the Elmer Goche Post 3922, Veterans of Foreign Wars, in Wadena. Pallbearers were Dwight Nelson, Timothy Nelson, Bruce Chelf, Wayne Porter, Larry Olson, Charles Anderson and Eric Olson. The burial service was held at the Evergreen Cemetery in rural Bemidji.

Arrangements were with the Johnson Memorial Home in Wadena, www.johnsonmemorialhome.com.

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