Michael A. Nelson, 85, of Wykoff, Minn., entered eternal rest on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mike had been at the Spring Valley Care Center since February.
Michael was born in rural Mabel on March 22, 1940, to Guy and Stella Nelson. He grew up on the family dairy farm near Lenora, graduated from Canton High School and then served in the United States Army. Mike married Vernelle Berge in 1961, and they farmed. They were later divorced. After Mike bought his farm near Wykoff, he worked for road constructors and then at Mayo Clinic for 10 years, where he retired.
Mike loved horses, enjoyed driving his draft horse teams, participating in riding games with his horse “Zipper” and more recently, trail rides with the Wednesday Riders. He enjoyed competing in tractor pulls, working around the farm, dancing, going to parades and spending time with family and friends.
Mike is survived by his children Jim Nelson, Judy (Carl) Evers, Jayne (Greg) Shelquist, and Roger Nelson; grandchildren Kelcey (Ilya) Leontovich, Eric Evers (Kayla VanDeWalker), Tristan Nelson, Liza Shelquist (Gabe Hendrickson), Tanner Nelson (Macie Steffen), Leah Shelquist (Caleb Seals), Austin Nelson (Grace Harvey) and Dillon Nelson; great-grandchildren Olivia, Luka and Milo Leontovich and Emelia Evers and Beckett Nelson; his sister Glorianne Knox, many nieces and nephews, and fiancé Cora Mitchell.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Sylvan and Dean.
Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Garness Trinity Lutheran Church, 42081 130th Street, Mabel, Minn. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 3-6 p.m., Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Jim Torgerson says
Mike was my neighbor. Mike was in my parents wedding. His children and I played together as kids. RIP Mike no more suffering. My sincere condolences to all of you.