Roy O. Nelson, 80, died on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at MeritCare Northwest Campus, Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will begin at noon and continue until the service.

Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Strathcona, MN.

Roy Oliver Nelson was born in Highland Park, MI on March 15, 1927 to Sigurd and Evelyn (Lillegarde) Nelson. Roy was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended school in Greenbush graduating in 1945. After high school Roy enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Aleutian Islands. After honorably serving his country Roy returned home and met Beverly Anderson. They were united in marriage at First Lutheran Church in Middle River on November 25, 1950. Together they moved to Minneapolis. Roy worked at a number of sheet metal shops until he and Beverly founded P&R Vending Company. Together they ran the business for over 30 years after which they retired and moved to Middle River where they spent 8 years. Later they made their home in Thief River Falls.

Roy had a quick wit and great sense of humor. He loved to deer hunt in the Stathcona area and attend area music jams and the Stathcona fall festival. Roy loved to fly and attained his private pilots license. He enjoyed visiting with family, friends and his other fellow pilots. Roy will be remembered for his kind heart, good humor and healthy handshakes and hugs.

Roy is survived by his wife Beverly; children Douglas (Corrine) Nelson of Champlin, MN, Carol (Terry) Zenger of Champlin, MN, and Joan Nelson of Chandler, AZ; four grandchildren, John (Amy) Nelson, Cory and Luke Zenger, and Ryan Nelson all of Champlin, MN; 1 great granddaughter, Jordan Zenger; sister, Doris Gomsi of Santa Anna, CA; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Kenneth.

ORGANIST: Ida Nordvall
SOLOIST: Ken Wigg
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Ill Fly Away
CASKETBEARERS: Teddy Westlund, John Zenger, Ryan Nelson, Wayne Hanson, Doug Hoverson.