Roy Nelson

Roy A. Nelson, age 75, of New London died Thursday morning, August 13, at his home in New London following an extended illness.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 16, at Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer with Rev. Dr. Candace Adams officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery in Willmar. Visitation will be from 3-5 P.M. on Saturday, August 15, at Hope Presbyterian Church and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Arrangements are with the Green Lake Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Spicer.

Roy Alfred Nelson was born on May 21, 1934 in Dovre Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, the son of Pearl (Mead) and Henry Nelson. He grew up in the Willmar community and graduated from Willmar High School in 1954. Roy was selected to the Minnesota All-State Basketball Team in 1954. On April 23, 1955, Roy was united in marriage to Yvonne Ann Peterson. From 1955 to 1957, he attended Waldorf Junior College in Iowa. Following college, they made their home in the Willmar area. Roy was employed for over 40 years by the Minnesota Department of Transportation in the Soil Department. In 1985, they moved to Green Lake. On August 16, 2005, Roy was inducted to the Willmar High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his participation in three sports. He was a member of Hope Presbyterian Church. Roy enjoyed being together with his family, especially at the lake, hunting, fishing and all sports. His grandchildren were the "apple of his eye".

He is survived by his wife, Vonnie of New London; two sons, Barry Nelson of Spicer and Brian (and Lisa) Nelson of Spicer and two grandchildren, Paxton and Quinn Nelson. Also surviving is one brother, Lawrence "Bud" Nelson of Niles, Michigan and one sister, Alice Madsen of Clontarf, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Kent Nelson in 1979.