Robert Nelson

Robert (Bob) Lawrence Nelson, 74, of Detroit Lakes MN, passed away December 4, 2014 in Ecumen Nursing Home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. The wonderful care from the nursing home and hospice staff was greatly appreciated. Robert Lawrence Nelson was born to Lawrence and Marion (Buck) Nelson in Little Falls, MN, January 2, 1940 where he was their New Year's Baby. He moved to Detroit Lakes a year later, grew up and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School as the first graduating class from the new building in 1959. He attended Moorhead State College for two years. From the age of 16, he worked and sold monuments for his father's business, The Detroit Lakes Granite Works. Bob learned the skill of hand carving letters on the grave stones and did his mother's stone to match his father's after her death years later. Bob was united in marriage with Maxine Miller on March 5, 1961 at the First Congregational Church in Fargo North Dakota. After living in Fargo for three months, Bob and Maxine moved to Detroit Lakes in the summer of 1961. In the middle 60's he sold out his share of the business to his brother and became one of the owners and manager of the Graystone Hotel. At that time the business was run as a hotel, dining room, banquet service and meeting rooms downstairs, and rented to the municipal liquor store. In the 70's Bob opened the new additions to the Edgewater Beach Properties which included a restaurant and time share apartments which were rented out as hotel rooms. When the Graystone was sold he became one of the owners and the manager of the Country Kitchen in Detroit Lakes and opened a Country Kitchen in Reno Nevada. When the Kitchen was sold, that he began a series of managerial positions at the Elk's Club, Voyager Super Club, Country Club and Grover's Restaurant. Retirement renewed his interest in remodeling his home and carpentry work for others. He was custodian for the Congregational church for 10 years. Bob enjoyed sailing, hunting, golfing, and skiing most of his life. He was a charter member of the Elk's Club, a Mason and Shriner, and 50 year member of the Congregational Church. Most recently he was President of the Cemetery Board. He is survived by his wife, Maxine, Daughter, Kimberley Ann (Nelson) Morison (Chris) of Fannystelle Manitoba, son, Bruce Lawrence Nelson of St. Paul MN, and Sister Sally Oja (George) of Detroit Lakes MN. Bob is also survived by his six grandchildren Justin Morison (Tyne), Matthew Morison (Leanne), Timothy Morison (Nikki), Vitoria Nelson, Alexander Nelson, and Augustus Nelson along with his great-grandchildren, Aiden and Devin Morison. Preceding him in death were his Father, Lawrence, Mother, Marion, and Brother James. Memorials preferred to the Detroit Lakes Congregational United Church of Christ Church, Hospice of the Red River Valley or Ecumen-Emmanuel Foundation. Services for Robert are set for Saturday, December 13 at 11:00 am at the Detroit Lakes Congregational United Church of Christ Church. Reverend Mark Kuether officiating. Visitation will be Friday, December 12 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a Masonic service at 7:00pm.

Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, December 12, 2014
Service
Saturday, December 13, 2014

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