Rev. John F. Nelson

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Nelson, Rev. John F. of St. Paul died January 31, 2019. He was born Aug. 18, 1929. Graduate of St. Olaf College, Luther Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary, John served parishes in Salem, Spencer, and Brookings SD, Lewistown, MT and 34 years at Calvary Lutheran Church, Allendale, NJ. From the Dakotas to the East Coast districts, in his congregations and on the national Lutheran Church level, John worked to engage youth in ministry and further church missions serving on regional and national All Lutheran Youth Gathering teams, countless local and global church outreach boards, Camp Koinonia, Eger Lutheran Nursing Home, community and ecumenical governing boards, always looking for new ways to share the gospel and engage people in faith. His unassuming personality and friendly banter won people over and created opportunities for innovation and collaboration. He had a pastor's heart, a greeting that started with 'what's your name' and continued minutes and often decades later with shared laughter and compassionate reflection. John is missed by his loving wife of 67 years, Nancy (Helland) Nelson, and his grateful children and grandchildren; Kristen Nelson (Tom Will; Kaila and Thorbjorn), Gretchen Nelson (John Wolfe Jr.; Rebecca and Avery) of Anchorage, AK, Kathryn Nelson (H.T. Fish; Taryn and Schyler), Julie Comes (Dean; Madison, Mikayla, and Collin) of Lewistown, MT, and Rev. John D.F. Nelson (Stephanie; Sarah and Tyler) of Bloomington. Preceded in death by his parents Newell "Newt" and Signe (Roe) Nelson and brothers Newell Jr. (Bud) and Stanley. Funeral services: Bethlehem Lutheran, 4100 Lyndale So. (Mpls.), Sat. February 16, 11 am. Visitation 10 a.m. Memorials in lieu of flowers are appreciated to Luther Seminary, St. Olaf College, or a spiritual place that gives you joy. Gill Brothers 612-861-6088 gillbrothers.com

Published on February 10, 2019