Bertell J. Nelson

Bertell J. “Bert” Nelson died on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, at the Hospice House of North Iowa, in Mason City.  He was 87.

Funeral services for Bertell J. “Bert” Nelson will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, at Bridge Community Church, in Albert Lea, Minn.  The Rev.Clayton Balsley will officiate.  Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4-7 on Friday, at Bonnerup Funeral Service and one hour before the service at the church.

He was born on March 15, 1931, in Albert Lea, the son of Walter C. and Cora E. (Hanson) Nelson.

Bert graduated from Albert Lea High School.  Throughout his life he had worked at Lakeshore Greenhouse, drove cab, was a substitute custodian at Albert Lea Schools, and then Interstate Power, retiring from the gas department after more than 30 years.

He married Helen Mickelson on April 14, 1951, in Albert Lea, and to this union Michael, LuAnn and Beth were born. She preceded Bert in death in 1990.  On Sept. 21, 1991, he married Ellen Wharam Lincicum, in Clear Lake.

Bert was a member of First Baptist, now Bridge Community Church, where he enjoyed helping by making needed repairs.  He was a good craftsman, always available to help family with home projects.

Bert had many interest and hobbies which included bowling, woodworking, making birdhouses, camping and traveling.

Bert is survived by his wife, Ellen, of Mason City; children Michael (Mary) Nelson, of Albert Lea, LuAnn (Clark) Olson, of Albert Lea, Kevin Lincicum, of Mason City, and Beth (Mike) Foust, of Lester Prairie, Minn.; grandchildren Travis (Jessi) Nelson, of Albert Lea, Kelsey Nelson, of Lake Mills, Matthew Olson, of Albert Lea, Shaun Olson, of Albert Lea, Joshua (Dawn) Foust, of Lester Prairie, Jessica Winter, of Aitkin, Minn., and Anne (Tony) Burt, of Waconia, Minn.; great grandchildren Taylor Nelson, William Bair, Ryleigh Nelson, Arielle Nielsen, Noah Nelson, Natalia Nelson, Mackenzie Olson, Chase, Carter and Belle Foust, Maddie and Wyatt Winter, AJ and Hadley Burt; sisters-in-law Evie Nelson, of New Richland, Betty Nelson, of Albert Lea, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen; sister, Wilda VanRiper and her husband, Kenny; brothers Richard, Howard and Gerald Nelson, and step-grandson, Jacob Osborne.

Bert was a quiet, kind, goodhearted and gentle man.  We have so many fond memories, including those of his well thought out Christmas pranks.  Blessed be his memory.