Erwin Nelson, age 80, of Ada, Minnesota, formerly Gary, Minnesota, died Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at his home.

Erwin A. Nelson was born October 16, 1928, the son of Edward and Alma (Ramberg) Nelson in Waukon Township, near Gary. Erwin was baptized and confirmed his faith at Ness Lutheran Church northeast Gary. As a youngster, Erwin attended the Waukon School east of Gary. As a young man, he worked for several farmers in that community. Erwin entered the United States Army in 1951 and was stationed in Korea, where he served in the First Cavalry Infantry. After his honorable discharge in 1953, Erwin returned to Gary for a short time before moving to Hibbing, Minnesota, where he worked in the iron mines. In 1968, Erwin was united in marriage to Stellene Fraily in South Dakota. The couple made their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and he was employed as a cement finisher. After his retirement at age 62, Erwin took on the job of being a caretaker of 17 townhouses in Plymouth, Minnesota. After Stellene's death in 1999, Erwin moved back to Gary. He made his home in Gary until 2008, when his home was destroyed by fire. At that time, Erwin moved to Ada, living in the Valley View Apartments, where he continued to live until the time of his death.

One of Erwin's favorite past times was to play cards with his friends.

Erwin is survived by one step-daughter, Susan of Prescott, Wisconsin; and a brother, Clarence (Karen) Nelson of Portland, North Dakota; step-grandchildren, Jim Hetland of Plymouth, Minnesota, Ronda (Richard) Wulf of Houston, Texas and Tanya Hetland of Atlanta, Georgia.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers and a sister.

Funeral services was held on Friday, February 13, 2009 at 2:00 PM in Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary. Officiating was Pastor John Ahola with Julia Mae Gullingsrud serving as organist and Alden Anderson serving as vocalist. Pallbearers was Barry Halland, Ross Halland, Mike Nelson, Kyle Nelson, Brock Nelson, Phillip Halland and Byron Thronson. Military honors was provided by the Gary American Legion Post #505.

Interment was in Gethsemane Cemetery, New Hope, Minnesota.