Eugene "Pal" Nelson, 82, died on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30 PM, Monday, February 6, 2012 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will follow in the St. Bernard's Cemetery, Thief River Falls. Visitation will be held from 2-5 PM, Sunday, February 5, 2012 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 4:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral mass on Monday. Eugene Howard Nelson was born on March 12, 1929 to Axel and Anna (Nygaard) Nelson in Bannerman, Manitoba, Canada. Later that year they moved to Alsen, ND. At the age of six, the family moved to Holt, MN and later to a farm near Rosewood. He attended the Rosebank Country School. He served his country in the US Army from 1951 to 1953. He was stationed in Germany for part of his tour of duty. He was in the first armored division and worked as a tank mechanic. Following his service, he returned home to Thief River Falls. On December 26, 1953, Eugene was united in marriage to Karen Cecile Horacheck. Pal worked at Tunberg Motors in Thief River Falls in the parts department and then later as a salesman. They lived on the Iron Range in Minnesota and Eugene worked for Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company. He then returned to Thief River Falls and worked at Border Drug in Thief River Falls as a salesman. Pal had several illnesses including Multiple Sclerosis through his life and he didn't let them hold him down. He never complained about them. In his younger years, Eugene enjoyed fishing and hunting. He enjoyed his cabin at Pine Lake for several years. Visiting with friends and socializing earned him the nickname of "Pal." Pal was a life member of the Thief River Falls American Legion and VFW posts. He was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church. He is survived by two children, Renae (Leslie) Nelson-Olson, Loveland, CO and Mark E. Nelson, Thief River Falls, MN; two grandchildren, Ryan (Barb) Olson, Boise, ID and Derek Olson, Denver, CO; one great grandchild, Matthew Olson, Boise, ID; brothers, Alton (Marge) Nelson, Yankton, SD, Jim (Diane) Matson, Thief River Falls, MN, sisters, Marrie (Harold) Coffman, Sun City, AZ, Shirley (Russell) Jesperson, Thief River Falls, MN, Janice Matson, Thief River Falls, MN, Gaylene Race, Manhattan, KS, sister in law, Esther Nelson, Brainerd, MN, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Pal is preceded in death by his wife Karen on March 26, 2009, parents Axel and Anna, step dad Thomas Matson, brother Adrian Nelson, two sisters Audrey Erickson, and Marilyn Kuzel.