Vernon "Speed" David Nelson, 73, Ada, MN, died Friday, December 21, 2012, at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Fargo, ND. He was born on December 3, 1938, to Norman and Nora (Aamodt) Nelson at home in Lockhart, MN. As a child they moved to Borup, MN and eventual to a farm West of Lockhart. Vernon attended school at the Lincoln Country School, Good Hope Township. In 1956, Vernon graduated from the Halstad High School, Halstad, MN. Following his schooling, Vernon was drafted into the United States Army on December 12, 1961, serving during the Cuban Crisis. He was honorably discharged on September 25, 1963, and returned to rural Shelly, MN. Vernon was employed for several years in farm labor, primarily with Kenny Malme Farms.
In 1977, Vernon was united in marriage to Monica Grosfield at Shelly. They were blessed with two sons Derek and Drew. Both boys were born with duchenne muscular dystrophy leading to Derek passing away in 1992 and Drew in 1997. Vernon was a devoted and very loving father to his boys. He was hired by American Crystal Sugar, Moorhead, MN, and worked there for the next 30 years. Vernon retired and continued to be busy with household projects and caring for Monica. She died in 2005.
Vernon was an independent and hardworking person. He took great pride in providing for his family and their welfare. Fishing on Lake of the Woods with friends was time well spent and brought Vernon a lot of joy. Enduring some of the deepest hurt that life can give developed a compassion and care for others.
Vernon is survived by numerous nephew, nieces, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Monica, sons, Derek and Drew, one brother, Walter, and two infant sisters, Rosemary and Ardis.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 11:00 am in the Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Shelly, MN.

Visitation: One hour before services

Burial: Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, rural Shelly, MN