Marvin L. Nelson, 80, died on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at the Life Care Nursing Home at Greenbush, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 3, 2009 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden, MN with Pastor Raynard Huglen officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Newfolden, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, January 2, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held at the church starting at 1:00 PM Saturday.

Marvin LeRoy Nelson was born on April 30, 1928 in Prairie Center Township, Walsh County, North Dakota the son of Nels Conrad and Bertina Caroline (Strand) Nelson. He was baptized on May 13, 1928 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walsh County, near Grafton, ND and confirmed in 1942. When Marvin was 5 years old he moved with his parents to New Maine Township, Marshall County, MN. He attended Good Will Country School in New Maine Township.

On July 31, 1948 he was united in marriage to Avis Lee in Newfolden, MN by Rev. Myhrer and the couple continued to live in Newfolden. Marvin was taken to MeritCare Hospital on October 28, 2008 and then was taken to Life Care Nursing Home at Greenbush, MN on November 7, 2008.

Marvin worked as a mechanic at Aassby Garage in Thief River Falls for 5 years and worked road construction as a heavy equipment operator for 50 years. Marvin retired in 1992 from Strom Construction.

He enjoyed fishing hunting, hobby farming, and gardening. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved family gatherings. Marvin was a member of the Union Local 49ers and the Gun Club.

Survivors include his wife, Avis; sons, Gerald (Diane) Nelson and Barry (Cheryl) Nelson all of Newfolden, MN; 4 grandchildren, Nathan (Nicole) Nelson of Newfolden, Chad (Erica) Nelson of Viking, Tara (Jeremy) Nelson of Thief River Falls, Natalie (Dave) Lind of Newfolden; 9 great grandchildren, Tucker, Sawyer, Cailey, Marissa, Alexander, Kieran, Emma Rae, Ethan Nelson, Colten Lind; 7 brothers and sisters, Deloris Holten, Joan Roppe, Marian (Arnold) Peterson, Janice (William) Olson, Vernon (Sheila) Nelson, Gary (Karen) Nelson, Jerome (Patty) Nelson; and many relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Albin Holten and Wallace Roppe; and one nephew.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Sheila Nelson
SOLOIST: Deland Elseth
SELECTIONS: One Day At A Time & On Eagles Wings
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Amazing Grace & The Old Rugged Cross
CASKETBEARERS: Scott Nelson, Ricky Peterson, Shane Nelson, Russell Olson, Steve Nelson,
and Michael Holten
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: All of Marvins friends and relatives