The funeral service for Olaf F. Nelson, of the rural Ellendale, will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Community Lutheran Church, Geneva. The Rev. Carrie McElfresh will officiate. Interment will be in the Geneva Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Ellendale, and one hour before the service at the church.

Olaf died Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota. He was 92 years old.

Olaf was born Nov. 17, 1917, in Geneva Township, Freeborn County, to Marten and Anna Nielsen. He was a lifelong resident of the Ellendale-Geneva area. Olaf was a member of Community Lutheran Church, Geneva, where he was baptized, confirmed and married. He married Myrtle Nelson on Feb. 2, 1942. Olaf farmed all of his life. He and brother Nels also ran a two-man chain saw for the road construction crew.

Olaf was a caring, compassionate man. He cared for his parents in their later years and he and wife, Myrtle, cared for brother, Ervin, for 33 years, and also his mother-in-law, Alma, who lived with them for 26 years. Nieces and nephews were always welcome and spent time on the farm with them.

After retiring from farming himself, Olaf spent his time working ground spring and fall as well as helping with chores on the family farm. Olaf enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, watching Gunsmoke and John Wayne movies, reading westerns, playing cards and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He took many fishing trips to northern Minnesota and Canada with his family and always enjoyed watched his grandchildren participate in the dairy cattle shows at the SCFF. He also developed a special bond with his New Richland Care Center family.

Olaf is survived by his son, Merton Nelson, and his wife Trudy; grandchildren: Casey Nelson and his wife Amy and Traci Nelson and Lacey Nelson, all of Ellendale; his devoted dog Mick; and many nieces and nephews.

Olaf is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Myrtle; brothers: Nels, Magnus, Einer and Irvin; sisters: Clara, Emma, Etta and another in infancy; as well as all of his brothers and sisters-in-law. May God bless the memory of Olaf Nelson.