Curtis Nelson

Curtis Elmer Nelson

Born March 30, 1932. Died May 2, 2025. Curt was a true patriarch He grew up in White Bear Lake and met Barbara Kay Chapman when he was age 14. They were married in 1955 and were blessed with four children. They lived in Forest Lake for 50+ years.

Anyone who knew Curt, knew that his word was his bond. He was incredibly reliable. And to the very end, he did not know the word "quit".

Curt was extraordinarily devoted to his wife and family. He also loved gardening, fishing and cooking - all of which he shared generously with his children and grandchildren. He grew some of the largest pumpkins in town when his grandkids were young, topping the scales at more than 100 lbs.

He worked as a salesman for farm machinery maker Farmhand in the 1960s-70s, then selling graphite-based products for Wickes Corp. from 1973-1980s. He was president of Manitou Manufacturing in White Bear Lake, retiring at age 84 in 2016. He served in the White Bear Lake National Guard from 1947-1950 and then in the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard during the early 1950s. He graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism in 1959.

He received wonderful care at St. Andrew's Village in Mahtomedi during the last two years of his life.

In addition to his wife Barbara Kay Nelson and children Lynn Nelson, Nancy Michael, Kurt Nelson and Erik J. Nelson, Curt is survived by grandchildren Naomi Mamer, Lea Nelson, Nick Blanco, Megan Fossey, Erik A. Nelson and great grandchildren Seth and Alana Mamer, Shane Nelson and Bowen Blanco, as well as sons-in-laws Mike Keeler and Jim Michael.

He was preceded in death by his parents Marion and John Nelson, and his brothers Gerry and Laury Nelson.

He was buried in a private ceremony on May 8, 2025 at Union Cemetery. A private funeral service was held at St. Andrew's Church in Mahtomedi on May 10. Memorials will be donated to St. Andrew's Village Chapel program, which benefits the residents of St. Andrew's Village.