Robert Eiler Nelsen

Robert Eiler "Bud" Nelsen was born on April 26, 1924 in Myrtle, Minnesota, the son of Eiler and Myrtle Smith Nelsen. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1942 and attended the University of Minnesota for two years. On May 11, 1945 he was united in marriage to Hazel Gladys Bush at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Bud and Hazel farmed in various areas in Minnesota and Iowa until 1961 when they moved to Albert Lea. Bud then worked fulltime as a locksmith at The Glass Shop, which later became Smitty's Glass, in Albert Lea. In order to supplement the family income, he often "moonlighted" at various jobs around town including milking cows for farmer friends when they took vacations. Hazel preceded him in death in 2002. On February 24, 2004, Bud married Bernadine Lindell. She also preceded him in death in 2007. Bud was an active member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church where he sang in the men's chorus for many years, served as a deacon, and worked with Hazel as the custodian. He was also an active member of the Albert Lea Senior Citizens. He enjoyed spending time with family, travelling, and playing cards. Bud loved horses and never missed the Britt Draft Horse Show every Labor Day. Survivors include his children Judy Bill Raatz, Gene Linda Nelsen, Mary Anne Karl Rollar, Brian Denise Nelsen, and Scott Nelsen; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Fern Rockwell and Alice Bush, many nieces and nephews; step-daughters Iris Gary Goodnature, Irene Eugene Anderson, and Cori Mike Martinson; and step-son Scott Lori Lindell; Bud was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Hazel and his wife Bernadine, his sister Marion Ott, and his brother Howard Nelsen. Memorials are preferred to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.