Duane Clayton Nelson

Duane Clayton Nelson, 89, of Aurora, MN died on December 17, 2022 in Duluth, MN.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Clearbrook, MN. Lunch will follow at the home of Bruce and Marilyn Nelson, 43425 181st Avenue, Clearbrook (one mile north of cemetery).

Duane was born to Wilfred and Edna (Engelstad) Nelson on June 20, 1933 in Clearbrook, MN, the oldest of four sons. He entered the US Army in 1953 during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955 at the rank of PFC. Duane married Edith Janssen on August 30, 1957 in Gonvick, MN. They spent 65 wonderful years together. This union was blessed with two children, Keith and Twyla.

Duane loved going fishing and camping with Edith and the kids and would go whenever time would permit. The kids learned all about the wonders of nature, and how to “rough it.” He even took Twyla and her two boys on a canoe trip- and lived to talk about it! Duane and Edith traveled often to Wisconsin to visit Keith and get to know his growing family. He also enjoyed spending time with his brothers and other family members. Whenever those four brothers got together “back home” in Clearbrook, the stories flowed and there was never a shortage of laughter and joking. Duane retired after working many years at Erie Mining and LTV, and he and Edith were able to enjoy traveling south in the winter for several years.

Duane is survived by his wife, Edith; son, Keith; two brothers, Douglas, of Chaplin, Saskatchewan and Bruce (Marilyn) Nelson of Clearbrook; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Twyla; and one brother, Gary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.