Charles Lerum “Chuck” Nelson, 78
Charles Lerum “Chuck” Nelson, 78, of Austin, died of cancer on Jan. 13, 2009 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home.
He was born Nov. 10, 1930 to Sanford and Edna Mae (Lerum) Nelson in Blooming Prairie. After graduating from Blooming Prairie High School in 1949, Chuck enlisted in the US Army. He served his country from 1950 until 1953 during the Korean War. Following his discharge, he attended Moler Barber School in Minneapolis. Chuck married Doris Ann Benson on Oct. 13, 1957 at First United Methodist Church in Austin. He served the Austin community as a Master Barber for 55 years. After a visit to Chuck’s, you left with a great haircut and a great story. A member of Grace Lutheran Church, VFW Post 1216, American Legion Post 91, the Eagles, the Masonic Lodge and the Moose Lodge, he enjoyed hunting, camping and fishing with his friends and late brother-in-law, Merle Rasmussen. Each fall he looked forward to lutefisk dinners at area churches all over Southeastern Minnesota. Chuck was fortunate to have many friends in the Austin community and knew people everywhere he went. His family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care given by the staff of Austin Medical Center, Hospice, St. Mark’s Lutheran Home and the angels at Primrose Retirement Community.
Survivors include his wife, Doris, Austin; daughter, Leah (Tim) Nordquist, Eden Prairie; son, James (Debbie) Nelson, Austin; grandson, Thomas Charles Nordquist; uncle, Tommy (Marian) Lerum, Austin; sisters, Nina Mae Rogers, Blooming Prairie; Marge Bush, Palm Springs, Calif.; brothers, Jimmie (Lucille) Nelson, Bagley; Eric Nelson, Honolulu, Hawaii; sister-in-law, Eleanor Rasmussen; many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and their spouses.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Paul; brother, Ralph; brother-in-law, Merle Rasmussen and sister-in-law, Virginia Krueger.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Jeff Forbes officiating. Visitation is at Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16, 2008 and at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in May. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Grace Lutheran Church or donors’ preference. Worlein Funeral Home in Austin is in charge of arrangements.