Bernard Eugene 'Bernie' Nelson

Bernard Eugene "Bernie" Nelson was born in Bertha, MN on April 7th, 1945, one of 11 children born to Carl Edward and Clara (Ellestad) Nelson. Bernie grew up in the St. James and Madelia area and was a graduate of the Madelia High School class of 1964. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and returned to the Madelia area after his Honorable Discharge. On December 6, 1975, he was united in marriage to Julie (Jones) Nelson at the First Lutheran Church in St. James. The couple had two children: Joshua and Alyssa. Bernie worked as a custodian for the St. James Public School System for 28 years and after retirement, worked part-time with Culligan. In his free time, he enjoyed caring for his horses, Princess and Sykorah, riding horses in local parades, wood working and Saturday breakfasts and coffee with "the guys." Most of all, Bernie was devoted to his family and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend a sporting event and "holler" for his children. He will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Bernard Eugene "Bernie" Nelson age 74, of Saint James, MN died on August 19, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Saint James. Bernie is survived by his wife, Julie Nelson; son, Joshua (Michele) Nelson of St. Joseph; daughter, Alyssa (fiance Jim Richards) Nelson of Ely; grandchildren, Finnean, Dane and Maari Nelson of St. Joseph; siblings, Elaine (Alden) Hageman of Elk River, Margie (Roger) Bluhm of Hutchinson, Ronald (Buddy) Nelson of St. Peter, Judy Nelson of St James, Sue Klatt of Madelia, Bruce (Barb) Nelson of Madelia and Rick (Peg) Nelson of Madelia; brothers/sisters-in-law, Barb (Ron) Ellanson, Allen (Judy) Jones, Cindy (Paul) Haler, Mike (Sue) Jones, Becky (Adam) Schendel; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Darrell "Sonny," Carroll Nelson in infancy; sister, Carla Mador; sister-in-law, Nancy Nelson and brothers-in-law, Russell and Maynard (Butch) Nelson. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, August 23, 2019 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Saturday, August 24, 2019 First Lutheran Church, St. James 716 6th Ave. S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Saturday, August 24, 2019 First Lutheran Church, St. James 716 6th Ave. S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. James S. CR 27 St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Reception A luncheon will take place at the church immediately following interment.