Harold M. “Holly” Nelson, 77, of Grand Marais, passed away August 31, 2009 at Miller Dwan Medical Center, with his family by his side.
He was born June 21, 1932 to Harold and Ruth (Bockoven) Nelson in Minneapolis. He dragged his parents to Grand Marais when he was two years old. He graduated from Grand Marais High School in 1950 and attended UMD for two years.
Holly married Janet Lind on May 2, 1953 in Grand Marais. He served in the US Army and was a longtime member of the Minnesota National Guard. Holly returned to Grand Marais in 1963, operated Nelson’s TV and Radio Repair, the Candy Store, and later added Radio Shack, Videogenic Productions, and Cellular Specialists. He was named Grand Marais Citizen of the Year in 1987, was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Lions Club, and served as a volunteer firefighter. His wife Janet preceded him in death in 1995.
In 2000, he married Crystal (Byholm) Anderson and together they owned and operated Trailside Cabins and the Quilt Shop. He was a videoographer for the larger Grand Marais community, and operated the Public Access Channel 13. He recorded “everything” – sporting events, local celebrations, as well as the official city, school and county events. Holly enjoyed whistling, supporting Cook County football games, and was involved in everything at school. Holly loved life, his family and his community.
In addition to his first wife Janet Lind Nelson, his parents preceded him in death.
Holly is survived by his wife Crystal; children Kimberly (Doug) Nelson Wilder, Little Elm, Texas, Becky (Dean) Nelson Anderson, Cloquet, and Steve Nelson Sr., Tofte; stepchildren, Kyle (Jessie) Anderson, Grand Marais, and Kari Anderson, Hibbing; brothers Dean Nelson, Faribault, and David (Jan) Nelson, Edina; grandchildren, Jason Christensen, Betsy (Jason) Norman, Kyle Christensen, Jolene (Jared) Lust, Steve Nelson Jr., Chris Nelson, Greg (Trista) Anderson, Kole Anderson, and Kallie Anderson, 6 greatgrandchildren Taylor, Alyssa, Ryan, Aria, Carter, and Lexi and nieces and nephews.
Memorial visitation was Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at Cavallin Funeral Home, Grand Marais, and a Memorial Service was Thursday, September 3, 2009 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Cook County Historical Society, the Tofte Historical Society, or donor’s choice.
Leave a Reply