Russell Wilbert Nelson

Russell W. Nelson, 84, of Hartford died Thursday, September 26, 2013 at the Sanford Centennial Hospice Cottage.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM Monday, September 30, 2013 at Benton Lutheran Church, rural Crooks. Burial will be in the Benton Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 4-5:00 PM Sunday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Baltic.

Russell Wilbert Nelson was born May 16, 1929 to Wilhelm and Bessie (Anderson) Nelson near Hartford. He grew up on farms in rural Hartford and graduated from Hartford High School in 1947. He then farmed with his father until he entered the Army. During the Korean War he served in the Army Amphibious Division and drove an amphibious “DUKW” shuttling bombs, ammo and munitions for the front lines. When he returned home he continued farming and married Loma Ruud on July 14, 1962 at Benton Lutheran Church. They enjoyed 51 years together. For health reasons they moved to Idaho in 1978 and he worked as a parts clerk at a John Deere dealership. When they returned to South Dakota in 1981 they settled in the Wall Lake area and have remained there ever since.

Russell was a lifelong member of Benton Lutheran Church. He was also Hartford American Legion. He was presented the Korean Freedom Medal from the South Korean government in grateful appreciation of their service. He loved everything about farming and won the South Dakota Plowing Contest in the 1970’s. He also loved flower and vegetable gardening, photography, and woodworking. After retiring he had more time to enjoy hunting, fishing and caring for his cats.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Loma, Hartford; a sister in law, Betty Nelson, Hartford and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Wilhelm and Bessie Nelson and three brothers, Vernon, Marvin and Donell.