LeRoy Nelson, 70 of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at his home with his loving family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial for LeRoy will be 11:00 AM on Monday, March 22, 2021 at St Bernard Catholic Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert Officiating.

Visitation 4-6 PM Sunday March 21, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with a 6 PM Prayer Service and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

LeRoy Dean Nelson was born on July 28, 1950 son of Vernon and Myrtle (Askeland) Nelson in Thief River Falls, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church at Grygla, MN. He attended Grygla elementary through 8 ^th grade and graduated from Goodridge High School in 1968. He attended Thief River Vocational School and received a two-year degree in welding.

On November 15, 1969 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Schindler at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls. To this union two sons were born Dean and Jeff. The couple made their home in Fargo where he worked for the Fargo foundry as a welder. In 1973 they moved back to Thief River Falls. LeRoy joined St. Bernard's Catholic Church in 1977.

LeRoy worked for GTA, Thief River Grain, Newfolden/Strandquist Elevators, Forrest River Elevator and Simplot in Thief River Falls. In 1995 he started Nelson Custom Application, leasing on with Simplot of Grafton, ND and was doing this until May of 2020 when he retired due to ill health. He also drove truck for Hartz Truck Line, Hutchinson Transfer, and did mowing for Jeff Olson Construction in the off season.

LeRoy was a Past President Eagle Club, Knights of Columbus and a member of the 567 Chevy Club. He loved to watch the grandkids sporting events, he enjoyed working in the shop on various projects, camping and going to Auction sales. He absolutely loved to visit with people, attending car shows, deer hunting with brother Lyle, nephews, nieces and grandchildren. When asked one thing that he was proud of he said "picking up the 7-10 split" in bowling. He will be missed dearly by all.

LeRoy is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Dorothy of Thief River Falls, MN; sons Dean (Carol) Nelson of Stewart, MN and Jeff (Jana) of Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren Alex Nelson, Logan Nelson, Kade Nelson and Isabela Nelson; brother Lyle (Linda) Nelson of Grygla, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Gloria Holte, brother-in-law James Holte, brother-in-law Roger Schindler and mother and father-in-law Jean and Ed Schindler.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com