Milburn Nelson

Milburn (Mel) Nedren Nelson, 93, passed away peacefully, Friday, June 26, 2020 at the family home in Albert Lea, surrounded by his family. Milburn was born to Nels and Tillie (Walker) Nelson on August 17, 1926, in Bricelyn, MN.

Milburn attended high school in Alden, MN.  He met his wife, Phyllis, while employed at Queen Stove in Albert Lea.  They were united in marriage on June 24, 1946, in Ellendale, MN and lived to celebrate 67 years of marriage.

In their younger years Phyllis and Milburn farmed in Twin Lakes and Albert Lea.  For many years he worked, in sales, for Universal Milking Systems.  After retirement Milburn worked part time as a bus driver for Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea.

Milburn was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, 4-H, Albert Lea Lake Clean Up, Meals on Wheels, and spent much of his free time visiting and caring for friends and family.  Milburn’s favorite past time was fishing.  He especially looked forward to his 50+ years of Canada fishing trips, and Labor Day trips up north with Phyllis’s family.  He enjoyed gardening, loved the outdoors and animals, and the many uses he found for duct tape.

Milburn is survived by his 5 children, DeeAnn (Tom) Nelson of Mankato, Mary (Dave) Smith of Morrison, CO, Rick (Terry) Nelson of Columbus, MN, Jody Mitts of Ft. Collins, CO, and Kaye (Steve) Tufte of Albert Lea, MN.  He is also survived by 13 grandchildren,  and 10 great grandchildren.  Other survivors include  brother-in-law, LaVern Seberson of Albert Lea, sister-in-law, Erma Nelson of Albert Lea, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, his parents, siblings and several in-laws.

The family would like to thank the staff of Prairie Senior Cottages for the loving care they gave our dad.

The family will be holding a private graveside service and a celebration of life at the family home.

A public drive -thru graveside visitation will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery, 17544 US Highway 65 S., Albert Lea,  from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, July 11.  Just come to the cemetery, stay in your cars, and you will be guided to the location to visit the family.

Memorials preferred to Prairie Senior Cottages, Grace Lutheran Church and St. Croix Hospice.

Milburn was an example of kindness and compassion to all who knew him.  He will be remembered for his lightheartedness, sense of humor, and endless jokes and pranks.  He left his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, in-laws and (out-laws) a legacy of living and joyful life.

“The secret to a happy life……….go fishing”

-Mel-