Stanford Rognley “Shiner” Nelson, 71, died at home in Waseca, Minnesota, on April 27, 2022.
He was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on July 9, 1950, to Anna Evelyn (Rognley) and Joseph Nelson. On the family homestead near Hills, he farmed, herded, was a carpenter and furniture builder, and fostered wildlife habitat.
He attended the University of Minnesota, Morris and was a graduate of Hills-Beaver Creek High School and Killian Community College.
He was devoted to those he counseled at Luverne Hospital later in life, and the rare farmer playing coronet and trombone in the Lennox Municipal and Augustana College Community bands.
Progressive illness, coinciding with retirement, impacted him physically but did not affect his humor, intelligence and presence. Family and friends knew him to be strong, gentle and caring; a man of expansive thoughts and few words; and a wonderful companion. He was grateful for their love and support.
He photographed and wrote, read deeply, listened to great music, and honored the wisdom of saints and sages in his quest for a meaningful and spiritually developed life.
He is mourned by his wife and companion of 15 years, Susan Stumm; daughter Katy Nelson; step-children Alissa (Matt Richardson), Patrick and Liam Moore; grandchildren Amara, Winifred, and Beatrix; mother-in-law Doris Young; sisters and brothers-in-law; cousins; niece and nephew, Molly (Sundt) Birkett and Joe Sundt and families; and dear friends including Nan Karr Kaufenberg, mother of Carrie and Katy. Stanford was preceded in death by daughter Carrie Nelson; sister Paula (Nelson) Sundt; brother-in-law David Sundt; and parents.
A service for family and friends will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the Gustavus Adolphus Arboretum in St. Peter, Minnesota.
Memorials may be directed to the American Brain Foundation, Cure PSP, and Mayo Hospice of Mankato.
Arrangements are by Dennis Funeral Home of Waseca, dennisfuneralhomes.com
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