Craig H. “Nelly” Nelson
Saturday, July 7, 1962
Date of Death:
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Age:
61 years old
Craig H. “Nelly” Nelson
Craig H. “Nelly” Nelson- Stewartville
Craig Howard Nelson, 61, of Stewartville, MN, died Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the Chatfield Chosen Valley Care Center.
Craig was born July 7, 1962, In Rochester, MN to Edward and Fern (Harvey) Nelson. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1981. On October 23, 1993, he married Krisanne M. Lundy at the Decorah Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa. They welcomed their daughter Alexis into the world in July of 2001. The family lived in Rochester, MN until 2020 when they moved to Stewartville, MN. Craig worked for the Rochester Public Schools for the majority of his career.
Craig loved country music, golfing, fishing, being outside, boating on the river, watching sports, being with family and friends, and was an avid NASCAR fan.
Craig loved watching the Minnesota Vikings, Wild, Twins and Gophers.
He is survived by his wife Krisanne M. Nelson and their daughter Alexis K. Nelson of Stewartville, MN; Brothers Jeff (Barb) Nelson of Clearwater, MN and Mike Nelson of Spring Valley, MN; sister Kim (Dave) Hansen of Ham Lake, MN; his sister- in- law Suzanne (Lyle) Taylor of Spring Valley, MN and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother Fern (Harvey) Nelson, father Edward Nelson, and his mother and father- in- law.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 23, 2023, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. The Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Redeemer Lutheran Church with an hour visitation at 10:00 a.m. the day of with Pastor Adam Koglin officiating. Burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for funeral expenses.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Craig H. “Nelly” Nelson has received the following condolences.
I enjoyed working with Nelly for many years at Kellogg Middle School. He helped me out many times in my special needs classroom. He was always so very proud of you both, KrisAnne and Alexis, and talked about you all of the time. My sympathies to each of you.
Craig was such a special guy. He could always make you laugh. I will miss seeing his smiling face, listening to his jokes, and making fun of my kids. He will truly be missed by everyone, Krisanne and Alexis you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I am here if you guys need anything.
Craig was my best friend in high school and the best man at my wedding. Our older brothers were great friends and that’s how we met. I’m flooded with memories right now. Going out to Colorado Springs with our brothers in the summer of ‘80. Heading up to Whatford City and basically paying their way as they looked for oil. Your parents were like my second parents. Fern and Eddie were the salt of the earth. Gone too soon. Just like you. We’ve connected and reconnected so many times over the last 40 years. Memories of you, me, and Jeff Aikens trout fishing in whitewater. Camping in Jeff’s Gremlin as torrential rains were falling, Watching the Miracle On Ice game as we were playing pool up at Rec bowling lanes. You’ll never be forgotten Craig. You’re what we all aspire to be… a devoted husband to Krisanne, an amazing father to Alexis, and an incredible friend. Rest in peace Nelly. No more pain
Dear Krisanne & Alexis,
Myself and my Mom were so sad to hear the news that Craig had passed. Our hearts go out to you both. Alexis, I have never met you but want you to know that your Dad and I have so many fond memories since we were boys.
He was competitive, funny and even though I out weighed him by alot, I never wanted to tangle with him cause he and his brothers were tough....
Craig, (of course "Nelly") was so easy to be around. His laugh when he got going was so funny it made you laugh always.
One of my favorite memories of Craig was the 1987 World Series and game seven for the Minnesota Twins. We set up pretend bleachers in front of my couch in my basement and pretended we were at the game. So if someone wanted to get up and go get some popcorn, use the bathroom or a drink it was knees back, "excuse me, excuse me" just like at the ballpark.
The funniest thing about that night was Nelly said halfway thru the game.... "if the Twins win.... I will streak down your block!"
And guess what....? The Twins won in the 10th inning and he made good on his word.... lol
I wish we had cell phones back then. Craig was such a good man.... but you both know that.
It breaks my heart that I did not connect with you Krisanne and him for so long.
Prayers for peace to you both.
Krisanne, my mother sends her condolences as well. She was and has been very fond of Craig.
Blessings, Love always,
Mike
Krisanne and family
we are so sorry for your loss. Your Ulta family is thinking of you and we are sending prayers and love your way.
take care
Shellie
Craig was such a special guy. He could always make you laugh. I will miss seeing his smiling face, listening to his jokes, and making fun of my kids. He will truly be missed by everyone, Krisanne and Alexis you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I am here if you guys need anything.
Krisanne and family,
I am so deeply sorry to hear about Craig’s passing. He was always very down to earth and friendly in high school and after. He always seemed to have time to talk to you. He had an awesome sense of humor. What a joy to watch him and the team play hockey as I went to many games .
Craig was a lot like his parents, my parents were very close to them from the IBM days till they passed Sorry to say that I won’t be able to make the visitation as we are in Florida on vacation .
Krisanne you and family hang in there and keep your chin up as that’s what Craig would want you to do. I remember coming to your home in Rochester one time and Craig and I watched NASCAR and he was so into it and we both had some very nice conversations about life. He will be greatly missed
Im glad he is no longer suffering and is at peace in heaven as they got a good Man.
love, Bruce .B
Krisanne and Alexis, my condolences to you on the passing of Nelly. I will always remember his smile and laughter at our social gatherings. My prayers to him on a great journey ahead! Peace be with you.
Krisanne and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. We remember Craig as being carefree and usually hilarious. We hope your many memories of his laughter and jokes stay with you always and bring you comfort.
Thinking of you and sending up prayers for peace and comfort.
Tami and Paul
My sincere condolences to Alexis and Krisanne. I only ever met him a couple of times, but I knew how important he was to Alexis. He was definitely a great person who made a positive impact on everyone he came in contact with. I wish nothing but the best as you guys work through for what I imagine is an incredibly challenging time.
Krisanne and Alexis I’m sorry for your loss. Send hugs.
I was just talking to Jeff Anderson about Craig. We both worked at Kellogg Middle School with Craig as the custodian. We all loved sports and shared some great laughs and great times. Craig would laugh with us about things that went on at school whether it was happening in the hallways or classrooms. He helped Jeff and I get through some of the tough days. He'd make us laugh or lighten things up! I will smile when I think of Craig, as will Jeff. He is now resting in peace!
Greg Fuchs
My sincere condolences to Craig’s family. Deb and I lived next door to the Nelson family in Rochester. Craig and his family were great neighbors and friends to us both. RIP Craig.