David Nelson

David N. Nelson, age 71, of Motley, passed away at his home on Friday, June 5, 2009. A funeral service is planned for Tuesday, June 9, at 11:00 AM, at the United Methodist Church in Motley. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. There will be a private burial at a later date.

David was born on February 5, 1938, in Willmar, MN, to Norman and Agnes (Ruter) Johnson. He was entrusted into the care of Joel and Cecelia Nelson, who raised him. He grew up in Atwater and graduated from high school with the class of 1956. That September, he married Arline Christianson in Long Beach, California. They returned to the Atwater, Diamond Lake area to raise a family. In 1978 they moved to the Motley area. David was a bricklayer for most of his life, but also worked as a farmer, hunting guide in Wyoming, horse jockey, and truck driver, retiring in 2000. After retirement he enjoyed working as a licensed gun dealer. David was a member of the Bricklayers Union, Saddle Clubs, and Gun Clubs. He was a professional water skier and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and showing horses.

David is survived by his wife, Arline; children, Sheila (Mike) Stevens and Norman David (Jill Klimek); grandchildren, Kelly, Kyle, Jonathan, James, and Jesse; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Brennan; sister, Ellamae (Jerry) Henry; brother, Wilbert (Lisa) Bratsch; foster sister, Elsie Potter; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Roger Bratsch.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.

Brenny Funeral Home 218-894-1910