Obituary for Aaron N. "Ron" Nelson

Nelson, Aaron N. “Ron”

Beloved father, grandfather, and brother-in-law passed away at his home in Brooklyn Park, MN on Feb 10 at the age of 94, surrounded by his children. He was born on April 16, 1927 in Baltic, SD to Allen and Mabel Nelson. He grew up on a farm in Renner, SD and graduated high school in Sioux Falls, SD. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Navy Seabees and served during WWII, stationed on the Island of Truk in the Southern Pacific. After his service he returned home to SD and married the love of his life, Darlene Zimmer, in 1951. They were married 62 years, residing in Brooklyn Center, MN where they raised 7 children.

After a 35 year career, Aaron retired from Liggett and Myers Tobacco Co. as Regional Sales Manager. He and Darlene loved to travel. Their favorite destinations were Hawaii and Las Vegas, along with a memorable trip to Europe and a cruise to the Caribbean. They also enjoyed spending winters in Mesa, Arizona for many years.

Aaron was a great blackjack and craps player in Las Vegas, and he loved to watch the Vikings and Twins games. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up.

Aaron was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene; daughter, Kris; parents, Mabel and Allen; sister, Elizabeth (Leon); and in-laws. He is survived by children, David, Nancy (Danny) Stevens, Deb (Kip) Ronning, Mark (Barb), Laurie (Dan) Neslund, and Scott (Staci); grandchildren, Jason (Angela), Jennifer (Roman), Aaron (Ana), Ashley (TJ), Alyssa, Angela, Michael (Maria), Andrea, and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob, Natalie, Kaylin, Isabella, Kaiden, Nicolas and Camila; Sister-In-Law, Gerri Zimmer; nieces and nephews.

A Special thank you to Jeff and Tara who cared for dad these last couple months.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM Thursday, February 17, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Brooklyn Center, MN. Visitation Wednesday 4-7 PM at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 6000 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center, MN. Visitation also 1 hour prior to mass at church. Interment St. Vincent’s Cemetery.