Kenneth Roy "Kenny" Nelson, 65, of Waubun, MN formerly of Halstad, MN passed away in his home on Friday, October 21, 2016. He courageously and positively lived with a degenerative disease for five years. Ken was born to Lloyd Burnett and Anna (Merkins) Nelson on February 26, 1951. He grew up on the family farm in Anthony Township (God's country) and was a lifetime member of East Marsh River Lutheran Church of rural Halstad, MN where he was baptized and confirmed in his faith. He graduated from Halstad High School in 1969 and was active in football, FFA, music, and 4-H. He went on from High School to study at UMC.

Family, friends, faith, and community meant everything to Ken. He served his community and church with his involvement on many committees and boards. His interests included playing golf, singing, traveling, deer hunting, playing softball, snowmobiling, four wheeling, horseback riding, barrel racing, acting, motorcycle riding, baking, woodworking and remodeling, even getting a private pilot's license. When not enjoying lake activities with his family and friends, he and his wife, Cindy, are avid Bison and Vikings fans. Grandchildren were the light of his life and his eyes would twinkle and his smile became bigger when they were around. His easy smile and big laugh filled a room and his character and integrity inspired many.

Ken married Lorraine St. Michel on July 19, 1969 and they lived in Fargo, ND, where he served as a security guard at K-Mart and sold insurance. He married Cindy Rasmusson in Ada, MN, on June 9, 1978. They lived on and ran the Nelson family farm for over 20 years. In 2001, he owned and operated KDN Trucking with his sons. In retirement, they moved to their home on South Twin Lake, Waubun, MN, while also spending winters in Mission Texas.

Ken is survived by his wife, Cindy and five children; one daughter, Michelle Schultz, Seattle, WA; and four sons, Paul (Jen) Nelson, Grandin, ND; David (Kati) Nelson, Halstad, MN; Rob (Leah) Nelson, Fargo, ND; and Daniel "Dano" (Sarah) Nelson, Hillsboro, ND. Twelve grandchildren: Mac Schultz, Makayla Schultz, Abi Nelson, Gaven Nelson, Micah Hallingstad, Joe Nelson, Isaac Nelson, Aiden Nelson, Sam Nelson, Lane Nelson, Anna Nelson, Olive Nelson and one more granddaughter on the way. Ken's sister Kathy (Curt) Jacobson survives him along with his mother-in-law, Barb Stadler, and in-laws Brad (Robyn) Rasmusson, Dana (Mike) Skansgaard, Brian (Colleen) Rasmusson, Reed Rasmusson, along with many nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd B. Nelson and Anna (Merkins) Nelson, His Father's in-law Eugene Rasmusson, and Willis "Bill" Stadler, As well as his nephew William "Bill" Jacobson.

• In lieu of flowers please donate to the Minnesota chapter of the ALS association.

Memorial Service: 11AM Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN.

Visitation: 5:00PM to 7:00PM with a 6:30PM prayer service on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN.