Gordon Nelson, age 74, of Gary, Minnesota, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, January 12, 2010, in his home.

Gordon LeRoy Nelson was born January 26, 1935, the son of Nels and Josie (Amundson) Nelson in Sundal Township, near Gary. He attended country school in that area, later attending Fertile High School, graduating with the class of 1953. As a young man, Gordon began working in the bank in Fertile as a custodian. In 1955, Gordon enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict. On September 27, 1958, Gordon was united in marriage to Maureen Anderson at the Lutheran Church in Mentor, Minnesota. The couple lived in Kansas for a time before moving to Crookston, Minnesota. While there, Gordon was employed in a bank until 1961, when he moved his family to the Gary community. He was the president and CEO of the Gary State Bank and ran the Gary State Insurance agency until 2007, when he officially retired from his duties as president and remained active as manager of the insurance agency.

Gordon was a great supporter and fan of the Gary Bulldogs and later, the Norman County East Eagles teams and activities. He cheered on his own children and grandchildren with gusto. Many will never forget his booming "Way to go!" when a good play was made. His favorite past times included hunting, fishing, boating, wood working, doing yard work and spending time with his family at their lake home on Tulaby Lake. Nothing brought him more joy than the laughter and play of his grandchildren. Gordon was a Charter member of the Gary Lion's Club, was a strong supporter of local 4-H, served on church boards at Gary Lutheran, and was on the Minnesota Technology Board as well as belonging to various banking associations. He truly loved his community and touched the lives of many.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 51 years, Maureen, of Gary, MN; sons, Mike (Jill) Nelson and Paul Nelson all of Gary, MN; daughters, Pam (Brian) Matzke of Buffalo, MN, Laurie (Mike) Sather and Darci Nelson all of Gary, MN and Jana (Earl) Pederson of Bejou, MN; 26 grandchildren, Jeremy, Jeanna, Krysta, Brianna, Ashley, Brittani, Katie, Joshua, Brady, Jaycke, Kyle, Kole, Brock, Kassey, Jacobi, Kaid, Kammi, Brytan, Jase, Logan, Kwin, Chayz, Kass, Kylah, Kruz and Khik; brothers, Russell Nelson of Fertile, MN and Lyle (Yvonne) Nelson of Grand Forks, ND; a sister, Adelle Noss of Crookston, MN; mother-in-law, Ruth Anderson of Twin Valley, MN and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.

Funeral Services was held on Monday, January 18, 2010, at 10:30 AM in the Norman County East School Gymnasium, Gary. Visitation was held on Sunday, January 17th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM in Gary Lutheran Church, Gary. Visitation was one hour before services at the school on Monday. Officiating was Pastors John and Kelly Ahola with Alden Anderson serving as organist and musical selections provided by Kole Pederson and Alden Anderson. Pallbearers were members of the Gary Lions Club. Honorary pallbearers were all of Gordon's grandchildren.

Burial was in the Gary Lutheran Cemetery, Gary.