Charles Ernest Nelson

Charles Ernest Nelson, 93, of Lutsen, died Sunday, July 7, 2024 at North Shore Health.

Charlie was born August 1, 1930 to Edwin and Rose (Matts) Nelson in Lutsen, where he was a life-long resident. After high school he served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, where he received the Korean Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars as a member of “The Chosin Few” in the occupation of Japan, also at the nuclear test site of the Marshall Islands. Later returning to the North Shore he was employed for many years as a heavy construction truck driver and later as a welder for Erie Mining Company at Taconite Harbor, until retiring in 1993. He was a member of Teamsters Local 346, Military Engineers Local #76, and the United Steelworkers.

A long-time member of the Lutsen Volunteer Fire Department, and caretaker of the Lutsen Cemetery. Charlie was also a member of Zoar Lutheran Church in Tofte.

He enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, and skiing, and skied the “Birkie” and ran several marathons.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; a son, John Nelson; a daughter, Brenda Melin; and a brother, Clarence Nelson.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille (Eide); a daughter, Gail (John) Thompson; a son, Dale (Kristin) Nelson; grandchildren, Christopher (Leah), Caitlin (Caleb), Lee, Brett, and Lauren (Zac); great-grandchildren, Elara, Reid, Nora, Carter, Maverick, Natalie, and Jaxon; and a sister; Virginia Thompson.

A Memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Zoar Lutheran Church in Tofte. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Zoar Lutheran Church. To share your memories or condolences online please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.