Gilman Nelson, age 94, of Gary, MN, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2017, at his home.

Gilman Henry Nelson was born on the family farm on January 13, 1923, the son of Helge and Gurinee (Baglien) Nelson. He grew up on the farm in Waukon Township east of Gary and attended the # 31 South County School. From a young age, Gilman began helping with the daily chores and learning the ways of farming with his father. In June of 1946, Gilman entered the United States Army and served in Korea. Following his honorable discharge on May 29, 1947, Gilman returned to the family farm and the Gary community. As a young man, one of his favorite pastimes was dancing. He loved going to dances and was known to cut a rug! Gilman operated the family farm alongside his brother, Palmer, until their retirement in 1987. Upon retiring, they were known to frequent the Red Apple Café in Mahnomen to catch up with the other area farmers. Palmer died in 2010 and Gilman continued to make his home on the farm until the time of his death.


Gilman was a man of few words, but his genuine smile said it all. He was an independent individual whose mind was sharp and his soul appreciative. He was an exceptional housekeeper and liked to keep things on schedule, especially coffee time and meals. Gilman spent a fair amount of time in the outdoors mowing his lawn and keeping up the cemetery. In recent years, Gilman didn't travel as much and enjoyed reading the Mahnomen Pioneer, Twin Valley Times and the Fargo Forum newspapers and playing cards. He was a member of the Gary American Legion, the Bejou VFW and a lifelong member of Ness Lutheran Church.


Gilman is survived by one sister, Norma Nefzger, Hibbing, Minnesota and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 7 sisters and 3 brothers.

Blessed be the memory of Gilman Nelson

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary, MN.

Visitation will take place one-hour prior at the church.

Burial will be in the Ness Lutheran Church Cemetery.