Bradley Lawrence Nelson

Bradley L. Nelson, age 63, of Willmar, passed away Sunday afternoon, December 10, at the St. Cloud Hospital following a brief illness.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 12 noon on Saturday, January 20, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Pheasants Forever – Kandiyohi County Chapter are preferred.  Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Bradley "Brad" Lawrence Nelson was born on September 2, 1960, in Phoenix, Arizona, the son of Harlan and Adeline (Jennissen) Nelson.  Soon after his birth the family moved to Austin Minnesota then later to a farm on Kasota Lake near Kandiyohi, where the family raised horses and other livestock. During this time Brad loved to waterski, spend time on the water, snowmobile and ride dirt bike.

He was baptized in the Lutheran faith and confirmed at Tripolis Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Brad graduated from Willmar High School in 1979 and began working at the Sinclair Service Station on West Litchfield Avenue in Willmar.  He later worked at Willmar Manufacturing and West Central Chemical before becoming employed with Larry Bruess Enterprises.  Brad purchased his own hobby farm in the early 1990’s where he raised a turkey, pheasants, ducks, bees and even had a pet goat for a short time.  Brad also had many golden retrievers throughout his life.

Brad loved being outdoors with his family and friends.  He was an avid waterfowl hunter, pheasant hunter and deer hunter.  He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and fishing. He had a true passion for catching walleyes and made many fishing trips to Lake of the Woods, Canada and Mexico.

He is survived by three siblings, Dan (and Eileen) Nelson of Pennock, Kim Davis of Willmar and Lisa Nelson of Pennock; six nieces and nephews, Jackie (and Jeffrey) Stegeman, Joshua (and Shelly) Nelson, Justen Nelson, Megan Davis (and Steve Peppin), Shelby (and Dres) Heiling and Austin Eliason; twelve great nieces and great nephews, Cheyenne, Tristin, Cody, Brody and Eliza Stegeman, Charlie and Maxwell Nelson, Maysen and Maya Nelson, Madeline Davis, Ellisyn Stadtherr and Quinten Peppin; and his Golden Retriever Bo; special friend, Jane Geer and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew, Jason Nelson.