Honoring a Clarks Grove WWII veteran and local inspiration
Published 8:18 pm Thursday, June 27, 2024
Bugler Ed Nelson with the American Legion Honor Guard plays taps after the funeral for Mickey Nelson Thursday at First Baptist Church in Clarks Grove. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Members of the American Legion Post 56 and VFW Post 447 Honor Guard take part in a volley salute after Nelson's funeral outside Faith Baptist Church in Clarks Grove. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Tim Donahue and Lowell Peterson of the VFW and American Legion Honor Guard prepare to present the flag to the family of Mickey Nelson Thursday after his funeral. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Lowell Peterson of the American Legion Honor Guard and Tim Donahue of the VFW Honor Guard, not pictured at right, present the American flag to family of Nelson Thursday during a ceremony after Nelson's funeral. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Many military members were present at the funeral, including the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Mickey Nelson
Mickey Nelson of Clarks Grove was joined by many family, friends and community members on his final half mile after walking 100 miles. Nelson's fundraiser has raised over $100,000 towards the Salvation Army Northern Division. Tyler Julson/Albert Lea Tribune
Mickey Nelson crosses the finish line in 2020 after walking 100 miles for his 100th birthday. Nelson set the goal in an effort to raise money for the Salvation Army Northern Division to be used for COVID-19 relief. - Tyler Julson/Albert Lea Tribune
Local celebrity Mickey Nelson throws out the virtual first pitch for the Minnesota Twins at Hayek Field. Nelson's first pitch was broadcast before a Twins game in honor of Armed Forces Appreciation Day. Nelson, 100, walked 100 miles over the summer in an effort that raised over $100,000 for the Salvation Army. Tyler Julson/Albert Lea Tribune
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Family, friends and community members gathered Thursday at Faith Baptist Church in Clarks Grove to remember World War II veteran Milton “Mickey” Nelson on what would have been his 104th birthday.
Nelson died May 14.
Aside from his military service, Nelson was known throughout his life for his school bus business and for taking over his father’s gravel business through 1967.
Nelson gained notoriety in 2020 when he was about to turn 100 years of age and was encouraged to walk 100 miles to raise money for the local Salvation Army food shelf. He met his goal and raised over $110,000 in the process.
To read his full obituary, click here.
