Craig Nelson

Craig O. Nelson, 77, Willmar, died Wednesday, May 16, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar following a battle with ALS.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 21, at the Assembly of God Church in Willmar. Interment will be in Cloverleaf Cemetery in Willmar. Military honors will be provided by Austin F. Hanscom American Legion Post 167 in Willmar. Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, May 20, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue one hour prior to service at the church on Monday. Memorials are preferred to the ALS Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, or the American Cancer Society.

Craig Oliver Nelson was born April 18, 1941, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Harold and Signe "Peggy" (Enger) Nelson. He grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School and later St. Olaf College. Craig served as a Captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. In the late 1960s, Craig married Judy Totushek and they has one son, Greg. They later divorced. Craig lived in various areas of the country, working as a plant manager in plastic manufacturing. He settled in New Jersey, where he lived for several years before returning to Willmar in the 1990s. After returning to Willmar, Craig worked at Jennie-O, Leaders Manufacturing, and the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative. On April 21, 2018, Craig married to Patricia "Patty" Murtaugh of New York City, founder of Once Upon A Carrot.

Craig was a fan of the Vikings and Twins. He also enjoyed playing tennis and golf.

He is survived by his wife: Patty Murtaugh-Nelson of Willmar, MN; his son: Greg (and Sheila) Nelson of Annandale, NJ; six grandchildren: Conor, Catrina, Ryan, John, Alicia, and Fay; a nephew: Keith (and Piper) Roberts and their children, Austin, Tyler, and Zoe; niece: Kim Roberts and niece: Trisha Behnken (and Rachel) and their children, Ryan, Reba, Chris (Sonja), Nicole, and Sarah; cousins: Denise and Caroline Enger; and other relatives and friends. He is also survived by his dear friends: John Berner, Rich Mikkelson, Billy Gabbert, John Marvin, Craig Johnson, Denny Boxrud, Gary Zinter, Joe Nieto and Jim Solverson.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Harold and Peggy Nelson; a brother: James Nelson; and a sister: Maren Roberts.

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