Bennie Almer Nelson, a devoted family man and dedicated car enthusiast, passed away peacefully at his home on August 9, 2023, with his family by his side. Born on November 5, 1952, in Grafton, ND, to loving parents Everett and Stella Nelson, Bennie lived a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. 
On January 8, 1975, Bennie married the love of his life, Clara, in East Grand Forks and the two had three children together: Shilo, Bennie Jr., and Brandy.
Upon moving to Crookston, Bennie began his career at Nelson Motors as a mechanic and rose through the ranks to become the service manager. For over two decades, he poured his heart and soul into his work, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and customers alike. In 2001, Bennie embarked on a new chapter of his professional journey when he joined Salem Motors which later became Christian Brothers Ford. His dedication and expertise in the automotive industry were unmatched, leading him to retire in 2018 with a sense of satisfaction for a job well done.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bennie’s true joy came from spending time with his beloved wife Clara and their cherished family. One of their most memorable adventures was their first plane ride together to Las Vegas for a thrilling NASCAR race. Bennie had a love for NASCAR that he maintained throughout his life. He loved working on cars, which brought about a lifelong friendship with David Hagen, the two spent many years restoring old cars together.
Venturing out of their comfort zone, Bennie and Clara traveled to Jamaica for their daughter Brandy’s wedding. Together they enjoyed the weather and scenery but Bennie shared “it was beautiful but I don’t need to go back”.
Family gatherings were always a highlight for Bennie and of significant importance in his life, as he relished in the joy of having loved ones come together under one roof. The house would come alive with laughter and conversation, before and after dinners Bennie’s family would join together to playing cards. Bennie loved camping in the summers with his family, Old Mill, and teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish, something that bonded them throughout the generations. Another joy in Bennie’s life was gardening, something he started doing alongside his dad and that he continued until his last days. He was sometimes assisted by his good friend, Robbie Hulst.
In 2019, after 44 wonderful years together, sadly Clara passed away. Bennie found comfort in his dogs, Toby and then Diana, who were family to all of the Nelson’s.
In April of 2023, Bennie moved back to Crookston from Red Lake Falls, where he was welcomed into the community by his neighbors: Dwain Dillabough, Ray Zammert, and Sue Sylvester. All of which not only welcomed Bennie back into the community, but were a big part of keeping him company up until his last days.
Bennie’s calm and caring nature was evident to all who knew him. He was fiercely protective of his children and grandchildren, always ensuring their safety and happiness. With an ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he met, Bennie had the remarkable gift of making friends wherever he went. Although he enjoyed meeting new people, he was truly a homebody at heart – finding solace in the comfort of his own surroundings.
Bennie will be greatly missed by his entire family, and certainly missed by his dog Diana as well.
Bennie is survived by his siblings, LeRoy Nelson of Grafton, ND, and Ann Estad of Alvarado, MN. Children: Tina (Paul) Duebner of Medicine Lake, MT, Shilo (James Knutson) Nelson of Crookston, MN, Bennie Nelson Jr. of Crookston, and Brandy (Frank) Duden of Crookston. 11 Grandchildren: Samantha, Shad, Abigayle, Aaliyah, Tucker, Jaden, Stella, Willow, Jordyn, Jaron, and Bailee; Brother-in-law Charles Remme of Grafton, ND; Sister-in-law’s: Pat (Jim) Feltman of Round Rock, TX, Alice (Dick) Ivers of Helena, MT and Mary Remme of Grand Forks, ND; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his beloved dog, Diana.
Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Stella (Hanson) Nelson; His wife, Clara (Remme) Nelson, and pets Tuffy and Toby.
There will be a memorial service to celebrate Bennie’s life on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston. A one-hour visitation will be held prior to the service. There will be a luncheon immediately following the services.
