LeMar Nelson

LeMar Arden Nelson, age 87 of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Masonic Homes in Bloomington. LeMar was born November 19, 1932 in Watertown, South Dakota to Arthur and Esther (Carlson) Nelson. He graduated from Strandburg, SD High School in 1950. He attended General Beadle State Teachers College in Madison, SD (thus the nickname “General”). He began teaching in Chester, SD in 1954 and began teaching in Blooming Prairie in 1957 where he taught, coached, and was Principal for 35 years until his retirement in 1992. On August 10, 1959 he was united in marriage to Anne Barkley. They enjoyed camping, traveling, and reading. He was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed theater, especially musicals. He loved singing and was a member of the First Lutheran Choir for 60 years. After retiring from teaching, he wrote for the local newspaper until his death, covering sports and writing a personal column.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Anne. Survivors include his daughters, Anne (Vern) Benson of Edina, MN:  Teri (Rich) Hendrickson of Richfield, MN; Renee (James) Orrell of New Hope, MN. Grandchildren Trista (Jay) Hansen; Jesse (Lisa) Benson; Rebecca Hendrickson. Great grandchildren Tyler Hansen; Anna Benson; Sophia Benson. Sister Dorothy (Norman) Bennett; brothers Randy (Joy) Nelson; Paul (Sharon) Nelson. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2020 at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, MN with Pastor Heidi Heimgartner officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would like all donations to go to a LeMar Nelson scholarship fund to be set up in the near future. Services are performed by Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home.