ELMER OLIVER NELSON

Elmer Oliver Nelson, 87, of Virginia, died Monday, October 22, 2012 at St. Michael's Health and Rehab in Virginia. A private family service will take place at a later date. Burial will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. Elmer was born December 27, 1924 in South Haven, Michigan to Elmer and Signe (Pudas) Nelson. He enlisted with the Merchant Marines during WWII and later with the US Army. He received the Army Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Ribbon. Elmer worked in the construction industry at the time he met Rosemary Drumheller. They married August 24, 1947 in Fisher, MN. He worked for Mary Ellen Mine and for Erie Mining Company as a truck driver. Following his work at the mines, he retired as an oiler on the ore boats. Elmer was a member of the Gilbert VFW Post and the Aurora American Legion Post. Survivors include his wife, Rosemary; children, George (Peggy) Nelson of Arkansas, Gail Nelson of Virginia, Dave (Arlene) Nelson of Richfield, Debra Tilbury of Brainerd, Greg (Marge) Nelson of Gilbert, Wendy Nelson of Virginia, Scott Nelson of Virginia and Shelly (Delbert) Crow of Cyrus, MN; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Filipovich of Eveleth, Lillian Petrovic of Duluth, Dorothy Wisch of Ohio and Kay Warren of Lakeland; brother, Richard Nelson of Elk River; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Signe; grandchildren, Rose, Amanda and Shannon; brother, Bill; sister, Helen