A walk-through visitation for William Edward “Bill” Nelson, 65, of Balaton, will take place at Victory Christian Church in Balaton on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Mask and social distancing requirements will be observed at all times.
William Edward Nelson was born in Marshall on August 8, 1955. He graduated from Balaton High School in 1973 and then attended the University of Minnesota – Morris before returning home to farm with his father. Bill married his wife Cathy Boyd in 1978. Bill was a farmer his entire life, many of those years with his father, Lennen. He decided many years ago that conservation of land was an important legacy that he could leave for generations to come. He enjoyed taking drives with his truck full of dogs, especially his beloved Tara Belle, and watching wildlife thrive on the land he had dedicated so much of his life to. Another passion of Bill’s was his involvement with Tracy Area Animal Rescue. Bill was a wonderful father. He loved his kids and always supported them in all of their endeavors, whether it was building the world’s most rickety treehouse or cheering them on at their events. Bill had many other roles: son, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. No one that Bill met was a stranger for long. His grandkids were a special joy and his love for them overflowed! He spent much of his time the last few years rocking babies and helping raise them. Bill had a kindness and compassion for people, especially those he felt were “underdogs” in life. He was quick with a kind and encouraging word and the gift of his time.
Bill passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in his sleep from complications of his long-term battle with diabetes.
Bill is survived by his wife Cathy; son Drew; daughter Tessa (Klint) Kubiak; three grandchildren Sawyer, Lane and Case; his father and mother Lennen and Doris Nelson; two brothers Mike (Cindy) Nelson and John (Carleen) Nelson; two sisters Cindy (Jim) Logue and Lori (Jeff) Swift; brother-in-law Bill Boyd, sisters-in-in-law Liz (Mike) Struve, Susan (Jeff) Minnaert and Joey (Curt) Vogt. Bill is also survived by many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly! Bill was proceeded in death by his infant son Trevor; his nephew Ryan Logue; his father-in-law Frank Boyd; mother-in-law Carol Boyd, and brother-in-law John Boyd.
Bill’s love for his family and his zest for life will leave a void in the lives of his family and all those who loved him.
