Date of Birth:
Wednesday, June 27, 1917
Date of Death:
Monday, July 29, 2019
Age:
102 years old

Arnold Dormand Nelson

Arnold Dormand Nelson, 102, of Rochester, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 29, 2019 at Meadow Lakes Senior Living.

Arnie was born on the family farm near Mabel, MN on June 27, 1917 to Adolph and Doris (Rank) Nelson. He attended country school and was married on November 8, 1947 to Doris Thorson. In 1942, he enlisted in the US Army. He was stationed in the SE Asian Islands and was discharged in March of 1946. He had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon returning to Rochester, he entered into the tile business. He owned Glen Tile Service for many years, selling and installing ceramic tile alongside his brother.

Arnie was an amazing, kind-hearted, energetic soul who continued to work until he was over ninety years old. He was an easy-going man who was always willing to lend a hand to others.

Arnie enjoyed being a member of the Rochester American Legion Post 93, hunting, fishing, gambling, and looking for treasures with his metal detector. He enjoyed fishing trips “up-north” to northern Minnesota and Canada in search of “the big one”. He and his son, Dennis, had many memorable trips.

Arnie is survived by his wife, Doris of Rochester; his son, Dennis of Stewartville; his daughters, Priscilla (Dale) Robertson of Stewartville, Lori (Dennis) Rehbein of Kasson; grandchildren, Jaclyn (Cole) Freiderich, Tricia (Dusan) Cirlic, Nathan Robertson, Timothy Robertson, Nicholas Nelson, Jason Nelson; great-grandchildren, Alek, Brady, Hailey, Haidyn, Grace, Kinsley, Lillie; siblings, Stella Shuda of Onalaska, WI, Milfred (Joan) Nelson of Decorah, IA, Ada (Ray) Kjos of Rushford, MN, Dorie (Jerry) Thrall of Golden Valley, MN, Mervin Nelson of of Mabel, MN; and a sister-in-law, Opal Nelson of Rochester.

He is preceded in death by brothers, William, Melvin, Lorn, Alvin, Leland, Alfred; sisters, Viola Chesley and Alice Christopherson.

Funeral Services for Arnie will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester with Pastor Carrie Smisek officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens Cemetery of Rochester with military honors provided by American Legion Post 93.

Memorials are preferred to Ronald McDonald House of Rochester.

Arnie had a wonderful relationship with the Mayo Hospice Nursing staff, especially his nurse Angie, and his personal care attendant Karen. Their compassionate attention helped him get through these last difficult months.