Carl Robert Nelson, 85, of Redfield, SD, died Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Golden Living Center in Redfield.

His funeral will be Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Redfield. Reverend Stephen Perry will officiate.

Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield.


Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6-8:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Carl Nelson was born August 18, 1924, on the family farm east of Redfield to Ole Bernard and Anna Johanna (Peterson). Carl entered the U.S. Navy directly out of high school and served on the USS McCord Destroyer. He married Wilma Steele on October 18, 1950 at the Webster Methodist Church. He was invited to be a part of the SD Honor Flight in 2009 but was unable to attend because of his health.
Carl enjoyed spending time with his family at the lake, tinkering on tractors, hunting, fishing and playing cards. He loved family vacations, animals, watching sports, reading history books and liked John Wayne movies and books. Carl was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Rural Letter Carriers Association for 31 years.

Carl is survived by his wife of 59 years, Wilma of Redfield, SD; his children: Robert (Cheryl) Nelson of Redfield, SD; Barbara (Skeeter) Wetzler of Northville, SD; Kathy Jacobson of Redfield, SD; Chris Asmussen (fiancAC. Dale Jessen) of Norfolk, NE; Michael Nelson of Sioux Falls, SD; son-in-law Woody Welke of Huron, SD; grandchildren: Lance Wetzler, Tina Welke, Ross Wetzler, Traci Mathies, Wade Wetzler, Nichole Tullis, Holly Backous, Aaron Jacobson, Brittany Jacobson, Haley Wetzler, Taylor Nelson, Blake Nelson, Aden Nelson; step grandchildren: Roxanne Christensen, Ashley Snell, Brandi Tracey; great-grandchildren: Camdin, Noah, Dominic, Cadance, Cohen, Mason, Nora; brother: John Nelson of Orange Park, FL; sister: Betty Johnson of Plymouth, MN.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marjorie Welke and brothers, Alvin Nelson and Bernard Nelson.