LeMar Arden Nelson, 87, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, at Masonic Homes in Bloomington, Minnesota.

LeMar was born Nov. 19, 1932, in Watertown, South Dakota, to Arthur and Esther (Carlson) Nelson. He graduated from Strandburg, South Dakota, High School in 1950. He attended General Beadle State Teachers College in Madison, South Dakota (thus the nickname “General”). He began teaching in Chester, South Dakota, in 1954 and began teaching in Blooming Prairie in 1957, where he taught, coached, and was principal for 35 years until his retirement in 1992. On Aug. 10, 1959, he was united in marriage to Anne Barkley. They enjoyed camping, traveling and reading. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed theater, especially musicals. He loved singing and was a member of the First Lutheran Choir for 60 years. After retiring from teaching, he wrote for the local newspaper, covering sports and writing a personal column until his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Anne. Survivors include his daughters, Anne (Vern) Benson of Edina, Minnesota, Teri (Rich) Hendrickson of Richfield, Minnesota, and Renee (James) Orrell of New Hope, Minnesota; grandchildren, Trista (Jay) Hansen, Jesse (Lisa) Benson and Rebecca Hendrickson; great-grandchildren, Tyler Hansen, Anna Benson and Sophia Benson; sister, Dorothy (Norman) Bennett; brothers, Randy (Joy) Nelson and Paul (Sharon) Nelson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Heidi Heimgartner officiating. Visitation will be held for two hours before the service on Saturday at the church. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would like all donations to go to a LeMar Nelson scholarship fund to be set up in the near future. Services are performed by Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.