Mark E. Nelson, 59, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Memorial service will be held 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert Officiating. Burial will be held at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017, 5 – 8 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service and also one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Mark Eugene Nelson was born August 3, 1957 son of Eugene and Karen (Horachek) Nelson in Thief River Falls, MN. He was raised in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School, class of 1975.  Mark also attended and graduated from Northland Community College in Thief River Falls.

Following graduation Mark moved to Bozeman, MT where he worked in the oil fields. He also worked as a fishing guide for many years. Mark moved back to Thief River Falls in 2008 where he was involved in farming until the time of his passing.

Mark enjoyed playing football in high school. He also loved hunting, fishing, cooking, and the great outdoors. He gardened, canned vegetables and made sausage.

He is survived by his sister Renae (Les) Olson of Loveland, CO; nephews Ryan (Barbara) Olson of Portland, OR, Derek Olson of Denver, CO; great nephew Matthew Olson of Denver, CO; aunts Janice Matson of Thief River Falls, MN, Marrie Coffman of Sun City, AZ, Dianne Matson of Thief River Falls, MN, Ellie Horachek of Goodridge, MN, Donna Horachek of Thief River Falls, MN,  Margaret Nelson of Sioux Falls, SD and uncle Duane (Marlene) Kuzel of Grand Forks, ND along with many cousins and friends.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Karen Nelson, his grandparents, and numerous  aunts, uncles and cousins.