Lyle Nelson

Lyle D. Nelson, 96, a man of great faith, graciously accepted the hands of Jesus on Sunday, April 28, 2019, at Little Falls Care Center.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cushing, with Bob Mueller officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather Tuesday evening from 5-8 p.m. at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Randall, and on Wednesday morning one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will take place at the Randall City Cemetery immediately following the service.  Luncheon will follow at the Randall VFW.

Lyle was born September 25, 1922, in Randall, MN, the son of George and Emma (Schwanke) Nelson.  He received his primary education in Randall and after graduating from Little Falls High School as the 1941 Class President, he made his way to California to work in the shipyards. After returning to Minnesota, he began his 33-year military career. He was stationed during WWII in England and Ireland as part of the Army Air Corps, and served in France during the Korean Conflict.

In 1948, he married Colleen Nygaard of Cushing, MN. The couple made Randall their lifelong home where they raised three daughters – Sandi, Renee, and Rhonda.

Lyle never shied away from hard work. He co-owned a gas station in Randall and worked at Camp Ripley before embarking on a 25-year career with the United States Postal Service. He was often referred to as “Mr. Randall” through his varied positions he held in the community. Lyle was the Mayor of Randall for four terms; VFW Commander and Chaplain; City Council Member; Randall City Cemetery Board Member; Morrison County Fairgrounds Board Member; Sunday School Teacher (and Superintendent); Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery Board Member; and St. Otto’s Care Center Board Member; Lions Clubs International Member. Lyle was also recognized as the Morrison County Senior Citizen of the Year.

Paramount to Lyle was his family and his faith. He dedicated his life to serving his Lord, his family and his community. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed spending time fishing and bird-watching, and never passed up a chance to spend time with his children or grandchildren. His sense of humor and warm personality were only outmatched by his integrity.

He will be missed by his daughters, Renee (Rick) Eich, of St. Cloud and Rhonda (Doug) Jones, of White Bear Lake; son-in-law, Michael Hall of Cloquet; grandchildren, Erica (Aaron) Danielski, Ashley (Ricky) Hayman, Greg (Nicole) Eich, Melissa (Josh) Reuter, Paul (Laura) Eich, Trevor (Carrie) Jones, and Ross (Erin) Jones; and great-grandchildren, Colton and Grant Danielski,  Maren and Braden Eich, Dylan, Owen, and Brady Reuter, Leo and Lachlan Eich, Victoria and Anastasia Jones, and Abigail and Ruby Jones; and godson, Mark Dols.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Colleen; daughter, Sandra Hall; parents; great-grandson, Kellan Eich; and siblings, Evelyn, Vernon, Kenneth, George, Norma, Clem and Dennis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Lyle’s family is very grateful for the love and care the staff at Little Falls Care Center provided.