Harold “Rocky” Nelson, 73, Princeton

January 13, 1943 - March 30, 2016

Harold “Rocky” Duane Nelson, age 73, of Princeton, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Fairview Northland Hospital in Princeton. Rocky was born January 13, 1943 in Princeton, MN the son of Jens Jorgen “George” and Ida (Rovang) Nelson.

Rocky grew up by Glendorado and attended Our Savior’s Christian School before graduating from Princeton High School in 1960. He worked at the Post Office in Minneapolis before deciding to pursue painting with his brother. He attended Dunwoody College for the painting trade and then worked as a painter and wallpaper hanger for the union. Rocky was united in marriage to Karen Lahn on February 10, 1964 at St. Mary’s Church in Milaca, MN. The two made their home in Princeton and were blessed with 5 children. Following his retirement from the union, he started The Nelson Pheasant Farm which he operated for over 10 years. He loved hobby farming and raising different animals. Rocky loved tinkering around on old cars, cutting wood, building things and gardening. Most of all, he adored his family, he was a very proud father and grandfather.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Karen; children, Michelle (Bryan) Becklin, Shawn (Jackie) Nelson, Heidi (Greg) Basta, Renna (Ross) Blavat and Erin Wall (fiancé Mike Switzer); grandchildren, Braden and Derek Becklin, Jadyn and Kaelyn Nelson, Matthew, Natalie and Garrett Basta, Cade, Lauren and Paige Blavat and Jackson and Carter Wall; brother Donald (Bev) Nelson; former sister-in-law Ginnie Nelson; former son-in-law Ben Wall; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and his faithful dog Patsy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Gordon and Dale; and sister Goldie Mauch.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 3rd from 2-5PM at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Princeton, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, April 4th at 11AM at Christ Our Light Catholic Parish, North Campus in Princeton. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in St. Edward’s Catholic Cemetery in Princeton. Arrangements entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Princeton.