Doyle Jon Nelson, 57, died Friday, October 10, 2008 near Rollag, MN. as the result of a semi-truck accident.

Funeral service will be 11 AM, Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN, with Reverend Robert Dahlen officiating. Burial will be at Silver Creek Cemetery, rural Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be 4 " 8 PM, Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church and for one hour prior to the service at the church, Wednesday.

Doyle Nelson was born in Thief River Falls on August 31, 1951 to Jerrold and Irene (Dowacter) Nelson. He was baptized and confirmed at Silver Creek Lutheran Church and attended and graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, MN. On September 19, 1970 he was united in marriage to Susan Elizabeth Pederson at Silver Creek Church.

Doyle was a farmer from day one and loved the life that came with it. Earlier in life he was a salesman for Vermeer and did custom farming. Later he drove semi-truck for Northern Pride Inc. Doyle served the Goodridge Fire Department and First Responders Unit and was Assistant Fire Chief for several years. He also served on the Farmers Coop Board, Agdar Township Board and was the president of the Goodridge Fire Department Board. He also was a member of the Goodridge Lions Club.

Doyle had a zest for life. He enjoyed regular fishing trips at Lake of the Woods, horseback riding, and hunting anywhere and everywhere. He also made it a point to regularly travel to a warm destination with his wife Sue.

Doyle was a genuine caregiver and people person. Through tough times he was a rock, a helping hand to family, friends, neighbors, as well as strangers. One of Doyles greatest pleasures was to spend time with his grandchildren. He was an avid attendee and supporter of all of their activities. Doyle will leave a legacy of unselfishness, quick wit, and hard work. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Doyle is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sue; sons, Jeremy (Tara) Nelson of Thief River Falls and Jesse (Katie) Nelson of Goodridge; grandchildren, EmmaRae, Ethan, Kayla, Lydia, and Wade; mother Irene Nelson of Thief River Falls; sisters, Pamela (Gary) Battleson of Thief River Falls, Melrene (Larry) Kaiser of Thief River Falls, JoDee (Ron) Reierson of Thief River Falls, MN and Danae (Joseph) Khalaf of Dallas, TX; mother-in-law Doris Pederson of Crookston, MN; brother-in-law Roger (Corrine) Pederson of Whitehall, MT; sister-in-law Diane (Bill) Noah of Crookston, MN and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Jerrold, father-in-law Warren, grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.

ORGANIST: Tanya Kotrba
SOLOIST: Van Swanson
SELECTIONS: How Great Thou Art On Eagles Wings
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Here I Am Lord Amazing Grace
CASKETBEARERS: Rodney Wayne, Dean Kaushagen, Joe Philipp, Galen Peters, Jerald Myers, Kenny Lindquist,
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Grandchildren, The Goodridge Fire Department and First Responders, and his hunting buddies