Nelson, Wayne Richard, 90 years old of Waseca, went home to be with the Lord on August 2, 2020. Wayne was born on May 2, 1930 in Waseca to Joseph and Lydia (Hanson) Nelson and he grew up in New Richland and graduated from New Richland High School in 1948.
After graduating from high school Wayne farmed with his father, and worked as a trucker. Wayne served in the Army from 1953-1955 he was stationed in Korea as a SBX Switchboard Operator.
Wayne worked for International Transport of Rochester were he picked up machinery from Minneapolis-Moline in Hopkins where he met Gloria the love of his life. They were united in Marriage on Nov 10, 1956 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis,
Later Wayne and Gloria moved to New Richland where they raised their family on the farm that Wayne grew up on. Wayne farmed for a few years and then did many different types of transporting goods; he hauled wool up to Minneapolis, hauled Sweet Corn and Sugar beets, Wayne was part owner of N&S Grain Company, and Wayne had his sodding business for over 10 years, then he started his own grain business Nelson Grain Company where he bought and sold grain from the local farmers in southern MN and transported the farmers gain up to the grain elevators in Savage for over 25 years he had 5 trucks and employed several drivers. He also enjoyed driving school bus. Wayne lived a busy and full life he enjoyed working and was the happiest when he could help others. He was a member of the New Richland Lions Club.
In 2000, Wayne decided to retire at the age of 70 where he and Gloria built their retirement home in Waseca, together they enjoyed their retirement years. Wayne had a wonderful life traveling around the country with Gloria including a trip to Europe and visiting Hawaii twice plus other trips.
Wayne’s greatest joy was his family he taught his children and grandchildren about the big and little things in life. He was a good husband, father, and grandfather he was proud of his family. Wayne loved to read and had a natural gift for talking. He loved aviation and had his private pilots license and owned two airplanes while he lived on the farm. He used his sod farm for his landing strip, he would take his family for airplane rides to get a dairy queen in Waseca. Wayne would put skis onhis plane so he could fly his airplane all year long and he would land on the frozen lake to go see his father in the nursing home in Waseca.
Wayne was proud of his Swedish heritage and in 2012 he had the opportunity to go meet the King and Queen of Sweden at Gustavus Adolphus College where his grandson was a student.
Wayne is survived by his children, Sherrie (Frank) Wilson of Spring Park MN, Allan (Doreen) Nelson of New Richland, MN Son-in-law Keith Volk of Maple Grove MN; two grandchildren, Jenna Nelson and Valerie Nelson; one sister, Dorthy Davis; one brother John Nelson; two sister-in-laws Delores Nelson; Joy Dahms and several nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria Nelson of 63 years of marriage (she was called home 23 days before Wayne) his parents Joseph and Lydia Nelson one daughter Laurie (Nelson) Volk; one grandson Miles Wilson; one brother Roger Nelson one sister Marlys Bloom three brother in-laws George Bloom, Darwin Davis, Roger Dahms and Ralph Schmidt. Two sister-in- laws Francis Nelson and Murella Schmidt.
Wayne was laid to rest along side his wife at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Crystal, MN on August 7, 2020. A memorial graveside service with military honors will be performed.
The family is having a memorial gathering to honor their parents Wayne and Gloria on Sunday August 23, 2020 at their home in Waseca, 505 13th Ave NE from 2-5 p.m.