Lawrence Nelson

Lawrence ?Lars? James Nelson left this world on Wednesday afternoon July 14, 2004. He died while jogging on a hot, dry stretch of country road that leads to his favorite place on earth, Ingomar, Montana. While he passed too soon, we know that he died happy, doing something he liked to do in the place he loved. A Visitation service will be held on Sunday, July 18, 7-9 p.m., at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN (218-894-1910). A Funeral service will be held on Monday, July 19, 1 p.m., at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples. Please come and have one last conversation with Lars, we know he would love it if you did.
Lars was born on June 13, 1937 . He graduated with a Bachelors of Art degree in Economics and Political Science from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN in 1958. One year later in 1959 he graduated from Military Language School in Monterey, CA. He then served as a Czech, Russian and German language interpreter for U.S. Army Intelligence in Berlin, Germany from 1960 and 1961. After returning home from the military service in Europe, he worked for Control Data in Minneapolis, MN.

He met his love Karen Louise Nilsson in 1966, and the happy couple was married at Cannon River Lutheran Church on August 12, 1967. Lars was the proud father of two daughters. Lisa Louise was born in 1972, and Sara Nilsson was born in 1978. Lars was also proud of his public service work for the Minnesota International Trade Office where he set-up the Minnesota Trade Office in Oslo, Norway. Lars enjoyed International Marketing work for many companies in South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Rim, and Europe.

Lars was preceded in death by his father E. James, mother Ethel, Niece Sheleen, Nephew Roger. Lars is survived by his loving family and friends: Wife Karen, daughters Lisa and Sara, sisters Karen and Johanna, and brother David.

Lars was an active and well known member of a multitude of groups such as Faith Lutheran softball team, ?Wednesday Nite? basketball team, Rotary International Club, Sons of Norway, and his ?baby?- The Lars Nelson Sophisticated Swing Band.