Lennen Edward Nelson

The funeral service for Lennen Nelson, 90, of Tracy, formerly of Balaton, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 18, 2022, at Sillerud Lutheran Church in Balaton.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church.  Interment will follow the service at the Sillerud Lutheran Church Cemetery.  A recording of the service will be available at www.horvathfuneralservice.com.

Lennen Edward Nelson was born on June 2, 1931, in Skandia Township, Murray County, to Edward and Mabel (Hollquist) Nelson.  He was baptized and confirmed at Sillerud Lutheran Church.  Lennen attended Rural School District 20 and graduated from Balaton High School in 1949.  He enjoyed playing sports including football, basketball and baseball.  He played town-ball from 1947-1961, mostly for Balaton.  Lennen was married to Doris Munson, from Walnut Grove, in 1952 in Tracy, Minnesota at the United Methodist Church.  The couple made their home in Balaton.  To this union were born children Michael (Cindy), William (Cathy), Lucinda (Jim), Jon (Carleen), and Lori (Jeff), 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and he was proud to be “Gramps” to each of them!

Lennen was a farmer; day in and day out for all of his life.  He was active in his church and served on many committees and boards.  He set an example for his family and loved being a leader.  He was very active in his children’s lives as a 4-H coach, with student activities and Luther League.  Lennen was a County Commissioner in Murray County for 18 years.  He toured the county with his grandchildren to see road ditches and waterways as he shared history and reasons for improvement.

He belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Balaton and was an El Riad Shriner in Sioux Falls, SD.  He was proud to share with students an annual trip to the Shrine Circus.  He also shared the opportunity to utilize the Shriner’s Hospital with several families in Murray County. 

Lennen lived on the family farm which became a Century Farm in 1989.  He was very proud of his roots and family history.  In 2013, he and Doris moved into Balaton.  He farmed with his son, Bill, for several years until Bill took over the family farm.  Lennen had lived at the Colonial Manor for three years, and at Prairie View Health Care Center in Tracy for three years after the Manor closed.

He died on Monday, April 11, 2022, at the Prairie View Healthcare Center in Tracy.

He is survived by his wife, Doris, of Balaton, two sons, two daughters, 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, brother Marvin (Lois) of Cannon Falls, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; Edward and Mabel Nelson, son Bill, grandsons Ryan Logue and Trevor Nelson, sisters Arlene and Jeri. 

Gramps leaves behind a legacy of love to his wife, children and grandchildren.  Blessed be his memory.