Conrad L. Nelson

Conrad L. Nelson, 69, of Braham died Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Cambridge Medical Center after a one year battle with cancer. Conrad Leigh Nelson was born May 28, 1943, in Braham, Minnesota to Wendell and Ilo (Holger) Nelson. He grew up in Braham and graduated from Braham High School in 1961. He attended Bethel College and then Dunwoody Institute for a short time but returned home to follow in his fathers foot steps working at Aurelius Mfg. Co. in Braham. On June 26, 1964 Conrad married his high school sweetheart, Paulette Ann Carlson. They made their home in Braham and then Stanchfield, but soon because of the Vietnam War Conrad was drafted into the army. He was blessed to be able to serve as a medic at Fort Knox Kentucky in the Ireland Army Hospital during his two years of service. Upon returning home Conrad again worked with his father and brother at Aurelius Mfg. and he and his wife built a home in Braham. He went on to become President and owner of Aurelius Mfg. Co. at the time of his fathers retirement. Conrad and Paulette started their family with the birth of Ryan Christopher on January 12, 1974. Three and one half years later they added a daughter with the birth of Kristina Marie on July 2, 1977. Together they enjoyed attending all their childrens music and sports activities at school and church, trips to the cabin in northern Minnesota, snowmobile trips to Yellowstone Park, and many other family activities. In 1990 Conrad and Paulette built a dream home on Rush Lake and enjoyed the country setting overlooking the lake and woods. Conrad loved to ride four wheeler through his trails in the woods and watching the wildlife around him. He enjoyed crafting projects with wood and metal and made beds and other things for all his grandchildren. He enjoyed deer hunting at the shack with his good friend, Loren Christenson. He also enjoyed summer and winter fishing trips with friends. A favorite vacation spot became Maui, Hawaii. Conrad was a faithful life long member at Stanchfield Baptist Church serving the Lord there in many ways. He lived his faith each day as a son, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and businessman with a life of integrity and honesty and love. His simple breakfast each day was eaten side by side with his open Bible, the Daily Bread devotional, and a time of personal prayer. During the year long struggle with cancer, Conrad received the loving and professional care of the short stay nurses, doctors, and staff at Cambridge Medical Center. He was also blessed with the care and counseling of Doctor Morar, Doctor Berry and also Doctor Steven Robinson of the Mayo Clinic. Conrad will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, Paulette, son Ryan (Rebecca) Nelson of Cambridge, and daughter Kristina (Joshua) Kirsch of Eagan, and his five precious grandchildren, Jacob, AnnaGrace, A.J. Nelson and Kyla and Noah Kirsch. He is also survived by brothers Wayne (Kathy) Nelson, Darwin (Marlene) Nelson of Braham, Loren (Louise) Nelson of Cambridge, and sister Wendy (David) Nelson of Bruno, brothers-in-law, Lee (Fern) Carlson of Andover, Rev. Sheldon (Anne) Carlson of Milaca, and father-in-law John S. Carlson of Cambridge. Nephews and Nieces, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Wendell and Ilo Nelson, Mother-in-law Annette Carlson; and grandparents Sophus and Clara (Larson) Nelson and Nels and Sylva (Beers) Holger.