Orval Nelson

Orval Duane Nelson of Crosslake, MN passed away on his 93rd birthday, Saturday June 11th. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Blake and Corvan. Survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Elizabeth, and daughters Deborah (Bruce) Nelson, Dana Nelson, and son Bradley (Patricia Coombs) Nelson, and Brian Lindberg. 4 Grandchildren, Tiffany, Wade, Lauryn and Maxwell. Great Grandson Brock. Nephews Blake " Roddy" Nelson, Peter Nelson, Steve Nelson and Brian Nelson and niece Sandra Presley.
Orval was born in Elmwood, WI to Carl and Beth Nelson June 11th, 1923 and grew up on the family dairy farm in Rock Elm, WI. Learning the value of hard work on the family farms his entrepreneurial spirit began as a young boy when he built his "mobile" popcorn stand which he would take into Elmwood and set up next to the movie theatre to sell popcorn to the folks headed to the movies.
After graduating from Elmwood High School in 1941 he then attended UW Stout for 2 years before enlisting in the Army during WWll. He served with the US Army Parachute Infantry Battalion. After his discharge from the Army he attended UW Madison graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
On October 8,1949 he married his longtime sweetheart Elizabeth Breed. They lived in Des Moines, IA where he was employed as a mechanical engineer with Solar Aircraft. Once again his desire to have his own business led him to the purchase and development of the first miniature golf course and driving range in Des Moines with longtime friend Ray Zimmerman. Realizing the corporate world was not for him it was time to really fulfill his dream of having his own business.
Orval and Beth's search would lead them to Crosslake where they fell in love with the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and purchased C&C Boat works in 1956 which remains a family operated business today.
While raising their family the two worked side by side and they grew the business into a full service marina selling recreational boats, water toys, providing repair services and storage facilities. His inventive and creative nature led him to design and build a few pontoon boats in the early years. One of which became the family pontoon which we christened "Big Blue"! Many family hours were spent playing on the boat, barbecuing, swimming, water skiing and taking leisurely cruises on the lakes to unwind after a busy day at work.
Over the years he was active in his community and showed his support in many ways. He helped establish the Crosslake Fire Department, served on the Pequot Lakes school board, was a Crosslake city Councilman, a member of the Whitefish Yacht Club, Board of Directors at First National Bank, President and active member of the North Central Marine Association.
He enjoyed piloting small planes in the 60's and had some memorable trips by air with family and friends. In the later years Orval and Beth explored the states by RV, traveled abroad and enjoyed visiting family and friends. But his favorite place to be was enjoying home on Rush Lake with Beth, his kids and his dear friends! He was grateful for his family, dedicated employees, business colleagues and dear friends. He always felt blessed to have had a rewarding and full life!
Dad was the blessing to us, a teacher, always generous, providing unconditional love and support and a wonderful sense of humor!
A private family service will be held at the Crosslake Cemetery with a celebration of life gathering to be announced.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Crosslake Fire Department or St. Croix Hospice.