George Nelson

George "Smokey" Randall Nelson was born in Minneapolis on February 25, 1934 to George F. and Dorothy E. Nelson. He served in the US Army. He was happily married to Donna Marie Gort in 1957. Smokey taught physical education and coached football, swimming, and diving for over 30 years. Smokey taught for ISD 181 from 1966 until his retirement in 1996.

He is survived by children, Michele and Alan Muller, of Maple Lake, Melissa and John Obermiller, of Pillager, and George and Tammy Nelson, of St. Louis Park; daughter-in-law; Brian and Ruth Tokarczyk, of Baxter; his dear friend and companion, Vivian Johnson; grandchildren, Maggie, Sam, Elly, Amanda, Andrea, Adam, Michael, Christie, and Brock; great-grandchildren, Alec and Ashton; sisters, Ardith and Harlow Olson, of Ventura CA and Anne and Jim Nelson, of Minnetonka, MN; brother and sister in law, Maurice and Susie Gort; cousins, nephews, nieces and many wonderful family and friends.

Smokey was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Herny and Emily Gort; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rosalie and Lowell Gjelhaug.

Smokey was a wonderful man and an active grandfather and great grandfather who will be greatly missed. A testament to his character, Smokey was surrounded by his extensive family during his passing on August 4th. To all who knew him, he had a phenomenal sense of humor and kind heart, who will never be forgotten.

Please help us celebrate his life by attending his viewing at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter on Sunday, August 7 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and his funeral services on Monday, August 8 at 11 a.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter. Interment will follow services at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.