Duane Nelson

Nelson, Duane Gunnard Plymouth, MN, a man of great faith, went to be with his Lord and Savior September 6, 2012. Born July 27, 1932 in West Fargo, ND, he was the eldest son of Agnes and Gunnard Nelson. He graduated from Fargo HS in 1950, and from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, in 1956. The same year, he was drafted into the Army and served as a Mathematician in the Army Security Agency for two years. In 1964, he earned a MA in Mathematics from Illinois Institute of Technology and continued his graduate studies in Mathematics and Computer Science. He was employed by Wayzata High School as a math teacher. He proved a popular teacher, and was a respected coach of the school football team. He had excelled in the sport in his own school years - as a co-captain leading Concordia to the conference championship - and loved working with new generations of student athletes. He was an early enthusiast of computer technology, which he incorporated into the curriculum at WHS. He further developed his computer skills working for Control Data Corporation and CNS. Another love of his was aviation. He became a private pilot and a flight instructor, and with a partner owned a fleet of single engine aircraft. He ended his career as a math instructor at Anoka Ramsey Community College. In retirement, he enjoyed aviation maintenance classes, travel, family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jeanette; three children, David, New York, NY, Lynnette (Tom) Heinzen, Burnsville, MN, and Daniel (Julie), Apple Valley, MN; seven grandchildren, Alexander (Jo), Auckland, NZ, Christina, and Zachary Heinzen and Ezekiel, Zechariah, Malachi, and Micah Nelson; and one great-grandchild, Ozbourne Heinzen; five siblings, Ardell (Allan) Strom, Fortuna, CA, Ronald (Karen) Oakdale, CA, Gary (Linda), Pelican Lake, MN, Carole, Fargo, ND, and Gerald, Raleigh, NC. Memorial service Wed., Sept. 19, 11 AM, with visitation one hour prior at Vision of Glory Lutheran, 13200 Hwy. 55, Plymouth. Washburn-McReavy.com Strobeck Johnson Chapel 952 938-9020

Published on September 9, 2012