LES NELSON JR.

Leslie “Les” Nelson Jr., of Braham, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at GracePointe Crossing in Cambridge.  He was 85 years old.

Les was born on August 16, 1937 in Braham, MN to parents Leslie and Marina (Carlson) Nelson.  Les attended and graduated from Minneapolis South High School in 1956.  He was on the wrestling, football, and track teams. 

In 1959 Les was united in marriage to Helen Remmers.  In 1960, he was drafted into the Army and trained in Fort Bliss, Texas.  He was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany from 1962 – 1964. Their daughter Kari was born before they returned to Minnesota.  Les and Helen first lived in an apartment in Minneapolis, then bought a house in Circle Pines, where their son Mark was born.  The family moved to Fridley, and finally settled in Mora in 1972.  Les spent his 38-year career as a truck driver, retiring in 1994 from Carolina Freightways. 

Les was involved with the Braham Moose Lodge, enjoying bingo and pull tabs, but especially playing Santa Claus for the children. He had many hobbies that included making cards, horseshoes, singing at karaoke nights, and visiting the casino.  He was an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking and canning his harvest.  After retirement, Les was able to spend time caring for his grandchildren.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Robert “Butch” Nelson, Gloria Perschbacher, and Steve “Nellie” Nelson.

He is survived by his children, Mark (Sheri) Nelson and Kari (Jim) Strandlund; grandchildren, Dustin (Lynne) Nelson, Chris (Elsa) Callender, Desirae (Nick) Morton, and Erika Strandlund; great grandchildren, Stephanie, Abram, Josh, Kylee, Maverick, and Nash; sister Betty Calkins; brother Jerry (Jane) Backlund, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 12:00pm-3:00 pm on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Braham Moose Lodge. 

Military Honors will be provided at 1:00 pm.

A Time of Remembrances will be held at 2:00 pm. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of LES NELSON JR., please visit our floral store.