William Francis 'Bill' Nelson

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Nelson, William "Bill" Francis William "Bill" Nelson, age 79 of Hampton, Minnesota died at home on May 28, 2020 with his wife Diane at his side. He was born on March 1, 1941 in Minneapolis to Walter and Frances Nelson. He received his undergraduate degree from University of Minnesota and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan. He spent the majority of his career at Volunteers of America where he created several innovative programs for which he received national and international acclaim. He also maintained a working farm in Hampton for 50 years. He was proud to have recently been accepted into the Roosevelt High School Hall of Fame. His last project was to write a book, "Musings of the Gentle Jailer," about his life and career intended to inspire others. He is survived by his wife, Diane, daughters Cynthia (Jason) Rico and Sara Nelson, grandchildren Diana, Chris, and Amanda Rico, brother James (Nenita) Nelson, and sister Jeanne (Bill Dennis) Nelson. Preceded in death by parents Walter and Frances Nelson, and brother Richard Nelson. A Visitation will be held Monday, June 1, 5-8 pm at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 2, 11:00 am at St. Mathias Church, Hampton, MN with a visitation one hour prior to mass at church. Interment at St. Mathias Cemetery immediately following the mass. hastingsmnfuneral.com

Published on May 31, 2020