Martin N. Nelson was born in Albert City, Iowa on September 19, 1915 the son of Ludwig and Hilda (Pearson) Nelson. He grew up on a farm in rural Clayton. He attended rural school and then farmed with his family, eventually taking over operation of the family farm. As a young man he sang in a male chorus and was part of a quartet. That music stayed with him his entire life. He was always an active church member and over the years belonged to Immanuel Lutheran in rural Clayton, First Lutheran in Clear Lake and First Lutheran Church in Amery. On June 14, 1942 he was united in marriage to Lucille Theresa Peterson and to this union five children were born. They continued farming in rural Clayton until 1982 when they moved to a home in rural Amery. Following the death of his wife Lucille he continued living alone until a couple years ago, when he moved to Willow Ridge Health Care Center in Amery. Even in his declining years the music still flowed from him, taking the chance to sing whenever the mood arose to the delight of others at the nursing home. Martin died at Willow Ridge on Wednesday evening December 8, 2010 at the age of 95 years.
His parents, wife Lucille, brother Karl and sister Selma St Germain all preceded him in death. Left to mourn are his children: LeRoy (Shirley) Nelson of Spring Valley, WI, Teresa (Bruce) Stumo of Barron, WI, Steven (Liz) Nelson of Maplewood, MN, Daniel (Kristi) Nelson of Lakeville, MN and Karilyn (David) Corbett of Clayton, WI. He also leaves 11 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Clayton at 12 noon. There will be a visitation time for the hour before the service. Burial will be at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.