Jean Nelson, age 86, of Waubun, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

Jean Aaron Nelson was born on December 6, 1936 in Mahnomen, MN to Ben and Agnes (Myhre) Nelson, the oldest of three children. As a boy, he helped his father on the family farm located northwest of Waubun. He graduated from Waubun High School in 1954. Jean met the love of his life, Shirley Bozvay, and they were united in marriage at the Congregational Church in Waubun on July 11, 1959. The couple made their home on the family farm. He operated the Nelson farm his entire career, alongside his father. It brought him great joy to have his four children grow up there.

Jean served his community for many years, which included being a member of the Board of Directors for Farmers Union Oil Co., the Popple Grove Township Board, Headwaters Regional Development Commission, the Cenex Board, Waubun Area Men's Organization (WAMO), and was a trustee for the Circles of Faith, United Church of Christ. Jean loved farming, being in the field, and having a garden. Jean and Shirley received the Valley Farmer and Homemaker of the Year award in 1993. Family was always his proudest accomplishment, and he loved having everyone together. Jean enjoyed spending time with family, visiting with friends, listening to music, fishing, dancing, traveling, playing cards, Men's Bible Study, driving his tractor in parades, and attending the Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag. After retiring from farming in 2001, Jean enjoyed dealing blackjack, driving bus, and working at WE Fest and the Steam Threshers Reunion.

Jean could talk to anyone, even complete strangers, and treated everyone as a friend and made you feel like a member of the family. Whenever you are in Waubun, stop at Pappy's Cafe and enjoy the "Jean Special" in honor of Jean. Of course, he always had room for a sweet treat. He was outgoing, fun, kind, caring, gentle, genuine, and very loving. Everyone who knew Jean was very blessed. There is a treasure chest full of wonderful memories of Jean - beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Jean is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley of Waubun; two daughters, Carrie (Bob) Mammenga of Lake Elmo, MN and Cathy (Michael) Danek of Brooklyn Center, MN; two sons, Blayne Nelson of Elk River, MN and Vernon Nelson of Waubun; four grandchildren: Kateri, Christina, Derek and Allyson; seven great-grandchildren: Jeremy, Jaden, Breanna, Scarlette, Henry, Madelyn, Paxton, and little girl on the way; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Agnes Nelson; and his two sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen (Butch) Leslie and Marie (Jake) Erickson.

Jean passed away knowing Jesus as his Savior and Lord. Jean acknowledged that Jesus lived in his heart.