Russell Nelson

Russ Nelson, 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 at Waterview Shores. Russ was born on August 28, 1922 in Montevideo, Minnesota. During high school he was a star athlete in football (team captain), track, and basketball and was class president his senior year.

He served in the U.S Army during World War II, training as a physical therapist and was stationed in Panama. In 1946, he married Shirley Dahl and in 1948 they made Two Harbors their home. Together with his brothers-in-law, Wayne and Ardie Dahl, he established and operated the Agate Cleaners and laundromat until these businesses were sold in the late 1980’s.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley and his daughter Trudie Berg.

He is survived by his sons Gary (Claire) and Greg (Betsy); son-in-law Brad Berg; brother-in-law Wayne Dahl (Sheila Leppala); niece Julie (Scott Wistrom); and nephew Charles (Barb Sorensen); grandchildren Sven (Kelsey), Kjerstin (Nick Berg), Katie (Sam Anderson), Jennifer (Johnny Bauer), Russell (Jess Kunde); and great grandchildren Alex, Christopher, Landon and Owen. He is also survived by his “AFS son” Samrahn Janthong (Suchada) of Nakan Sawan, Thailand, whom Russ and Shirley hosted in1966-1967 while he was an exchange student at Two Harbors High School.

A celebration of his life will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Two Harbors, date to be announced. Memorial gifts may be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 601 4th Avenue, Two Harbors, MN 55616.