Duane Elmer Nelson, 60, Hills, died unexpectedly Friday, Oct. 17, 2003, at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, Wis.Services were Monday, Oct. 20, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. The Rev. Lowell O. Berg officiated. Burial was in Flowerfield Cemetery, Hills. Duane Nelson was born to Elmer F. and Opal (Rye) Nelson on Feb. 19, 1943, in Luverne. He grew up and was educated in Hills. He graduated from Hills High School in 1961. After his education, he did construction work in California. He later served his country in the U.S. Army for two years, stationed in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home to Hills and began working for John Morrell in Sioux Falls, S.D. He also farmed with his father during that time.He married Marilyn Sather on Sept. 16, 1967, in Hills. They made their home in Hills where Duane farmed all his life. He retired from farming but continued to help local farmers. Before he retired in 2001, he helped his son carry on the family farm and hog industry. In retirement, he helped on the Sandager family farm and with the Van Der Brink family trucking company.Mr. Nelson enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and riding motorcycles, snowmobiles and four-wheelers. He also enjoyed fishing, camping and taking trips to northern Minnesota, in addition to target shooting and casual rides around town with Marilyn. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills.Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Nelson, Hills; one son, Mark (Michele) Nelson, Hills; one daughter, Marie (Daniel) LaRock, Hills; four grandchildren, Jacob and Jeffrey Nelson and Luke and Allison LaRock, all of Hills; his mother, Opal Nelson, Hills; one brother, Roger (Barbara) Nelson, Mankato; one sister, Carol (Art) Ehde, Luverne; three nephews, Scott (Lori) Ehde, Luverne, and Ryan and Todd Nelson, Mankato; and a special family friend, Bryan Rossow, Beaver Creek.Mr. Nelson was preceded in death by his father, Elmer, and niece, Pamela (Ehde) Lais.Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.
