Wesley J. “Bud” Nelson, 91

Blue Earth – Wesley “Bud” Nelson age 91, of Blue Earth, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at The Shepherd’s Inn in Wells, surrounded by his wife and children. The funeral service was held on Friday, Jan. 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Dell Lutheran Church, rural Frost, Pastor Joe Ocker officiated. Interment followed in Dell Lutheran Cemetery. Patton Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. www.pattonfh.com.

Wesley John Nelson was born Jan. 25, 1930 in Emerald Township, Faribault County, Minnesota to John J. and Anna (Amundson) Nelson. As his mother died when he was young, Wes was raised by his father, older sisters, and an aunt. He graduated from Blue Earth High School and attended Ag School at the University of Minnesota.  On June 22, 1952, Wes married Irene B. Holmgren. They were blessed with four children.

Faith, family, and farming were the foundations of Wes’s life. A man of profound faith, Wes strove to be an example for others. He was a lifelong member of Dell Lutheran Church in rural Frost, serving wherever he was needed as an Elder, President, Bible study/Sunday school teacher, worship leader, and cemetery board member. He loved his wife, and they traveled often to see the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids in their many activities. Wes spent his career farming the same land as his father and grandfather before him. He owned and actively managed his own insurance agency for nearly 50 years after having it passed to him from his dad, who had established the agency in the 1930s. Insurance became a great interest to him, including crop adjusting, teaching and training new adjusters. He really enjoyed the years he was able to raise sugar beets and had served on the board of the Mason City Sugar Cooperative. His memberships on the South Central Mutual Insurance Board and with the Gideons were also important to him. A highlight for many years was the annual week spent with family to the Brainerd Lakes area and, of course, the many winters spent in Mesa, Arizona. He loved music and often shared his beautiful voice in church, at weddings, funerals and just for fun with family members. The twinkle in his eye and his sense of humor will long be remembered.

Wesley is survived by his wife of 69 years, Irene Nelson; sons, Steven (Paulette) Nelson, of Owatonna and Timothy (Vicky) Nelson, of Blue Earth; daughters, Sue (Steve) Frederick, of Scottsdale, Arizona and Karen (Kellen) Borglum, of Bricelyn; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his stepmother, Seraphine (Serf); sisters, Eileen Bergsetter, Alice Tellefson  and Betty Bromeland; brother, Donald Nelson; and grandson, Ryan Johnson.