Norman H. Nelson, 83

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at First Lutheran Church in Little Falls, with Rev. Hank French officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Little Falls. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the church, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday. Arrangements are with Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls. Casketbearers will be John Marshall, David Nelson, Matthew Siggerud, John Siggerud, Carl Sorenson, Mara Sorenson, Kent Warnberg, and Sophie Warnberg. Honorary Casketbearers will be Peter Eckstrom, Conrad Gau, Dave Larsen, Joe Leyk, Dr. Oliver Wiger, and Dave Zumberg.

Norman Herbert Nelson was born to Nels and Hilda (Foss) Nelson on Aug. 11, 1932 in Thief River Falls. After graduating from Lincoln High School, he enlisted in the United States Airforce and served as a security staff sergeant for four years during the Korean War. 

Norman joined the Minnesota State Patrol in May 1957 and was stationed in Little Falls for 31 years. He retired as a station sergeant and served several terms as a Patrol Association District Delegate. 

Following his retirement in January 1988, Norman worked for the Morrison County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years. He also served three terms as a supervisor on the Belle Prairie Town Board. 

Norman’s family and friends were most important to him. He married Marcia Siggerud on Sept. 15, 1957 in Mahnomen. Together, they enjoyed good movies, working in the garden, playing cards, and traveling. He was a devoted husband, father, and papa. Norman was an active member of First Lutheran Church, serving on the church council and call committees, participating in the men’s breakfast Bible study group, and working with the “fix-it” group for many years. He was also an outdoorsman, who enjoyed fishing and hunting, and was a loyal Vikings fan. Norman looked forward to coffee at the bakery with his friends and was a member of the American Legion Post 46 in Little Falls. He will be remembered for his patient and gentle spirit and his sense of humor.

Norman is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 58 years, Marcia Nelson; daughter, Lori Beth (Kent) Warnberg of Chanhassen; granddaughters, Mara (Carl) Sorenson of Chicago, Ill.; and Sophie Warnberg of Chanhassen; sister, Marilyn (Bob) Marshall of Edina; sister-in-law, Shirley Nelson of Stillwater; brother-in-law, Charles Siggerud of Bloomington; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Hilda; two brothers, Ralph and Alfred; and his son, Paul.

Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls (www.shelleyfuneralchapels.com).