Norman Nelson

Norman A. Nelson, age 102 and 2 months of Ayr, N.D. passed away peacefully at Elim Care Center, Fargo on Friday, March 1, 2019.

Norman was born Dec 27, 1916 at home on his family farm to Nels K. and Nellie Marie Nelson.  He was one of nine children.  He attended school in Ayr, ND and Fargo, ND. He graduated from, Ayr High School and in 1940 graduated from NDAC with a degree in Animal Husbandry and Economics.

He married Louise Timmerman at Arthur, N.D. September 17, 1939. They started farming in 1941 on farms near Buffalo and Ayr, N.D.  In 1952 they moved to and managed his parents farm.  Norman and Louise raised their five children on the farm and in Fargo.

Norman was on the Board of the Cass County Crop Improvement Association; member of the Cass County planning Committee; active member of the National Future Growers Association; and only member from Cass County on the National Malting Barley Growers Association.  He was a member of the Elks, Eagles, Masons, and Shrine. 

A highlight for Norman was traveling to Europe and the Soviet Union with a group of Agriculturists on a People to People Tour in 1967.  Norman and Louise also traveled to Europe, Africa and Asia.

Norman retired from farming in 1982 but continued to be an active participant with his sons on the farm until 2014.

For 35 years winters were enjoyed at their home in Apache Wells, AZ. There, he proudly tended to his fruit trees and yard.  He enjoyed golf and dancing until his eyesight was impaired from macular degeneration.

Norman is survived by his children, Patricia (Clinton) Kurtz, Norwood-Young America, MN; Virginia (Lynn) Marr, Fargo, ND; Laurence (Corinne) Nelson, Salem, Wis., daughter-in-law Roberta Nelson Ayr, ND; 10 grand children, 17 great grand children, 1 great great-grand child, and many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Louise; sons: N. Kenneth and Charles; grand daughter Susan Kurtz; and all his brothers and sisters.

Memorials are preferred to the Erie Cemetery, Erie, ND. ND Agricultural Constituency Fund NDSU Development Foundation P.O. BOX 5144 Fargo, ND 58105.

Service of Remembrance:        2PM Friday, June 21, 2019 in West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center, West Fargo, ND

Burial:  Erie Cemetery (held April 24, 2019)

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center  

westfuneralhome.com

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