1932-2013
William A. Nelson, 81, Moorhead, MN, died on Monday, February 11, 2013, in Elim Nursing Home, Fargo. Bill was born on January 29, 1932, in Fargo, ND, to Erwin and Lulu (Falkingham) Nelson. He grew up and attended school in Detroit Lakes, MN, and then graduated from Moorhead State College. Upon graduation, Bill taught music and directed the bands at Pelican Rapids High School, which is where he met his future wife, Elizabeth. After he taught in Pelican for a few years, Bill was drafted into the Army. While on a 48 hour pass upon completion of boot camp, Bill married Elizabeth Hanssen on November 27, 1957, in Pelican Rapids, MN. He was called to serve in the U.S. Army Field Band, Washington, D.C., with which he traveled to many countries, including Korea and Japan. Bill was very proud of the time he served in the Army with the band. Following his service, Bill and Liz returned to Minnesota where he went back to Moorhead State College to complete his Master's Degree. Bill then taught and directed in Detroit Lakes, Dilworth, and in Moorhead at the Moorhead State Campus School. Bill's bands won many awards, and he was well liked and respected by his students. Later in his career, Bill served as the director of the North Central Council for School Television. Bill was a musician through and through, whether he was directing a band, listening to music, or playing in dance bands around the Fargo-Moorhead area and around the state. Flying was another passion of Bill's. He owned a plane at one time and had dreams of building and flying an ultralight aircraft. When Bill was no longer able to fly, he began "piloting" planes all over the world using his flight simulator on the computer. Other interests that Bill enjoyed were Ham Radio, spending time at the family cabin on Big Detroit Lake, World War novels and movies, and anything electronic. He kept UPS and FedEx busy delivering the latest and greatest gadgets he had to have. Bill is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, Moorhead, MN; daughters Lori (Scott) Gunderson, Plymouth, MN, and Lisa (Scott) Johnson, Plymouth, MN; grandchildren Kaleb Johnson, Meghan and Emily Gunderson; step-brother Dale (Sharon) Latterell, Willmar, MN, and step-sister Ione (Ron) Andreen, Willmar, MN. Bill also leaves behind his much loved dogs China, Bear and Buddy. We will miss Bill's kindness and wonderful sense of humor! Visitation: Friday, February 15, 2013, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.
Funeral: Saturday, February 16, 2013, at 10:00 A.M., in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN. Interment: Ringsaker Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, MN. |
