Ordean Elroy Nelson, 85, of Crookston, MN, passed away on Thursday afternoon, April 23, 2020, at the Villa St. Vincent in Crookston.
Ordean was born at his parents’ home in Erskine, MN on May 4, 1934, the oldest of 7 sons of the union of Ole and Iva (Berg) Nelson. He grew up with his family in the Erskine-Mentor area where he attended school and later worked for area farmers, as well as, his Grandpa Sam at the creamery he owned. On March 16, 1954, Ordean was united in marriage to Delores Mary Beauchene in Crookston. The couple made their first home in Crookston and through the years their marriage would be blessed by the births of 5 children. Ordean worked as a mechanic for a large part of his life, keeping trucks and farm machinery running smoothly. The growing family later moved to Gentilly, MN, and then to the North Dakota communities of Grand Forks and Granville. After returning to Crookston, Ordean was employed by Case-IH and as a self-employed trucker hauling grain. In 1972 the family moved to Portage, IN for a few years and he was again an over-the-road driver hauling steel and liquid chemicals for Air Products and Union Carbide. After retirement Ordean and Delores returned to Minnesota, settling in Mentor. In 1989 they decided to once again call Crookston home. Ordean drove a bus for Tri-Valley taking pre-school kids to school and back home several days a week. The kids absolutely loved Ordean. With her health in decline, Delores became a resident of the Villa in October of 2015. Ordean spent as much time with his beloved wife and best friend as he could until sadly, Delores passed away on January 4, 2019.
While living in Mentor he had attended the Bethel Bible Church with Delores. Family came first in Ordean’s life and he was a very loving and devoted husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and great-great-grandpa. Delores and Ordean had renewed their vows on their 40th anniversary. Their son, Pastor Ordean Jr. performed the service and it was a joyous memory for all in attendance.
Ordean is survived by 3 living children: Maurice Nelson of Crookston, MN, Michael Nelson and wife, Sherri, of Shakopee, MN, and Pastor Ordean E. Nelson Jr. and wife, Pamela, of Valparaiso, IN; son-in-law, Jose Martinez of Crookston; 7 grandchildren: Delores (Brian) Shipley, Carmen (Shane) Mendez, Josh (Ariela) Valdez, Matthew (Rose) Nelson, Micah (Miranda) Nelson, Andrea Nelson, and Skyla Nelson; 13 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter. He also leaves 3 sisters-in-law: Bev Nelson of Mentor, MN, Barb Nelson of Winamac, IN; and Marion Beauchene of Fargo, ND; along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
In addition to Delores, Ordean’s beloved wife of 64 years, he was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Jay “Ronnie” Nelson, who died on June 22, 2011; a daughter, Debra Jo Martinez, who died on October 28, 2017; his parents, Ole and Iva Nelson; 6 brothers: Stanley Roger Nelson, Glenn Nelson, infant brother Courtney, Wesley Nelson, Courtney Dale Nelson, and Alan Nelson; parents-in-law, David and Alice Beauchene; and siblings from Delores’ family: Robert Beauchene,
Margie Roi, Francis Beauchene, and Mary Ann Beauchene. Blessed be the memory of Ordean Elroy Nelson.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, a private family service will be held at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN followed by a graveside service at the Fairview Cemetery, Erskine, MN.
Online registry: www.stenshoelhouske.com
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