Robert Norman Nelson, 85, of Alta Vista, Virginia (formerly from the Rock Dell area), passed through the pearly gates of Heaven on June 29, 2017, after being diagnosed with lymphoma.

Born to Norman and Irene (Fosse) Nelson on Sept.14, 1931, in Stewartville, Minnesota. Robert grew up in Rock Dell on the family farm and attended East St. Olaf Lutheran Church. He graduated from Stewartville High School and was a veteran from the Korean War era. He married Pauline Engel in December 1951, and they had a daughter, Brenda Kay Nelson-Combs, prior to moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1961. They were later divorced. Robert spent the majority of his life in the automobile industry as an owner/salesman in North Carolina and Virginia.

Survivors include two sisters, Janice (Don) Mummert, Tucson, Arizona, and DeVonne Marien, Long Beach, California; one grandson, Spencer Combs, Greensboro, North Carolina; and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Nelson and Irene Nelson Fosse; and his daughter, Brenda.

He will be remembered for his big heart, big smile and jovial laugh. Being a full-blooded Norwegian, he was counted on to say the Norwegian table prayer, in Norwegian, at every family reunion and was able to travel to Norway with family several years ago to visit.

The funeral service for Robert will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, at East St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 6200 SW County Rd 3 Byron, Minnesota, with the Rev. Paul Thompson officiating. Interment follows with military honors in Zion Cemetery and a light lunch at the church will be served after.  All are welcome.  Visitation will  be one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. The family prefers memorials to the East St. Olaf Heritage House. Czaplewski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.