Jan David Nelson, 66, of Crookston, MN, passed away at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, Monday morning, May 21, 2018, with his family at his side. Jan was born in Crookston on June 12, 1951, the middle child of three born to the union of Stanley M. and Rowena (Free) Nelson. He was little brother to his sister, Marsha, and big brother to his sister, Nancy. Jan was baptized and confirmed at the Wesley United Methodist Church and received his early education at the Franklin Elementary School. He went on to attend Crookston Central High School, where he played varsity football for the Pirates and graduated with the Class of 1969. Favorite memories of those years included many family camping trips.
After high school, Jan moved to Omaha, NB and was employed by Gibson Store there. He returned to Crookston in 1972, and after earning his journeyman plumber’s license began employment with Crane Plumbing and Heating. He later moved to Red Lake Falls, MN, where he worked for Johanneck Plumbing. In the early 1980’s Jan decided to further his education and began taking classes at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. The final years of his working career were spent with the City of Crookston Water Department. In retirement, Jan drove a bus for the Polk County Development Achievement Center (DAC) and had most recently been employed at Auto Value to the present time.
Jan had attended the Wesley United Methodist Church for many years and was a member of Crookston Eagles Aerie 873. As a young man in the 1970’s he raced stock cars at many of the area’s tracks. Jan was immensely proud of his yard and gardens, and always happiest when digging in the dirt. He will be very sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends.
Grateful to have had Jan in their lives are his beloved mother, Rowena, of Crookston; two sisters, Marsha Myrold and Nancy Vakoch (Larry Brule) of Crookston; four nephews and a niece: Erik (Marjorie) Myrold of Grand Forks, ND, Matthew (Rebeka) Myrold of Minneapolis, MN, Nathan (Jaime) Myrold of Maple Grove, MN, and Andy (Britany) Vakoch and Sarah Vakoch of Lewiston, ID; seven great-nieces and great-nephews: Brianna and Maddie Myrold, Elijah Ndosi, Reagan and Breccan Myrold, and Atlee and Clancy Vakoch; his daughter, Nicole Garcia of Cameron Park, CA and granddaughter, Lauren; and his cat, “Uggie”, who was more like family than pet. May God richly bless the memory of Jan David Nelson.
A funeral service celebrating the life of Jan Nelson will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 31, 2018, at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Crookston, MN with The Rev. Jerry Bass, officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 1-2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston. In lieu of flowers please consider memorials in Jan’s name to the Polk County Humane Society, or any charity of the donor’s choice.
