Robert Nelson, 91, passed away surrounded by loving family at the Fair Meadow Nursing home on Saturday, November 21, 2020.

Robert Louis Nelson was born to Nels and Ida (Morvig) Nelson on the family farm near Fertile, MN on April 11, 1929.  He graduated from Fertile High School in 1947 and immediately took over the management of the Century farm, homesteaded by his great grandfather in 1879, due to his father's untimely death.

He married Shirley Wigesland, in Twin Valley, MN on June 25, 1960. They remained dedicated to the dairy and small grain business throughout their entire career.

He was a lifelong member of Concordia Lutheran Church where he served as trustee, congregational president and member of the choir. He served on the Wild Rice Electric Cooperative board in Mahnomen and Square Butte Electric Board in Grand Forks.

Bob served for 54 years on the Polk County Fair board, holding positions from Supervisor to President. In 2000, he was awarded the Minnesota Fair person of the year and inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame at the Minnesota State Fair. The Polk County Fair Board honored Robert by naming one of the buildings after him. In 1988, Robert and Shirley were named East Polk County Farmer/Homemaker of the year at the Winter Shows.

The community of Fertile meant so much to him. He was one of the initial organizers of the Ski Devil Ski area, Lion of the year in 2015, and Fertile Community Club Citizen of the year in 1996.  He loved volunteering at the Environment learning center.

Being a farmer, his entire life, Bob learned to appreciate the seasons of the year. Fall was a favorite of his because the crops were harvested, and it was football season. He was obviously Fertile-Beltrami Falcons biggest fan, enjoying many years of great football along the sidelines or in the press box. Robert also enjoyed the annual November deer hunts. They created endless stories involving many friends and family that are cherished memories.

Robert is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Ron (Becky) of Olivia, MN and Brian (Danielle) of Fertile, MN; grandchildren, Ross (Naomi), Reed, Kylie, Ellie, and Jacey; great-granddaughters, Rivers and Selah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Norma (Ned) Boyce, Irene (Melford) Roragen, Edith (Melvin) Rocker, twin sister Rose (Donald) Sorben, Ernest (Gladys) Nelson, Noble Nelson and Alvin Nelson; and sister-in-law, Marilyn (David) Bronken.

The family would like to especially thank the kind and loving staff at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home who have given such wonderful care to Bob over the past few years.

Blessed be his memory.

Funeral : A private family only service will take place on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN, following all of the Minnesota and CDC COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

Interment : Concordia East Cemetery, Fertile, MN.

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