Obituary of Ralph (Poik) Augustus Nelson

Ralph (Poik) Augustus Nelson passed away on December 28, 2018 at the age of 89.

He was born in Duluth, MN on July 5, 1929 to Frank and Edith Nelson.

On July 27, 1950, he married the love of his life, Vivian Anderson. He always said that he knew he was going to marry her from the first moment he met her. The two shared a beautiful love and life together. Ralph built their home on the Martin Road where they lived for 65 years. The home brought family and friends together - holidays, screenhouse breakfasts and yard parties.

Ralph was a hard worker and was always willing to lend a helping hand. In his younger years, he spent time at his shack and was known on the CB as Petri Poik. He enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, gardening and just being in the woods. He loved to fish, especially trips to Brule Lake. He loved to work in his garage and could invent just about anything to solve a problem. Ralph loved to make cinnamon rolls, enjoyed time with his family and always had the coffee on. His interests continued at Keystone Buffs with a garage workshop, flower garden and baking cinnamon rolls for his Keystone family.

Ralph spent time in his youth logging with his dad and brother. He spent two years in the Army National Guard, with some time in Korea. In the early years, Ralph worked at Coolerator and American Linen. He worked as a milkman at Franklin (Kemps) Creamery for over 30 years, retiring in 1989.

He was a Boy Scout leader in Homecroft, a member of the Teamsters Local 346 and a member of the Family of God Lutheran Church.

Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vivian of 67 years; parents Frank and Edith Nelson; siblings Harold, Frank, Phyllis, Ethel, and Mary; son Mark; and grandson Adam.

He is survived by children, Kathy (Rick) Johnson, Kim Nelson all of Duluth, and Rick Nelson of Saginaw, MN; grandchildren, Jason (Denise) Nelson, Steven (Kelly) Johnson, Chris (Heather) Nelson, Kerry Jo Johnson, Jennifer (Brian) Prudhomme, Cole (Beth) Nelson, and Ben Nelson; great grandchildren, Chloe Nelson, Meg and Lucy Nelson, Lilly and Brady Johnson, and Gracie Nelson. Also survived by sister-in-law, Kitty Anderson; friend and brother-in-law Eugene "Butch" Preiner; and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Ralph's loving Keystone Bluffs family for the wonderful care and friendship. A special thank you to Dr. Jared Buresch and WOC staff, Dr. Sandy Popham, Dr. Steven Long, Dr. Denver Ulland and the staff at St. Lukes ICU and hospice for the compassion given to Ralph and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Family of God Lutheran Church.

A visitation will be held at 10 am on Friday, Jan. 11th at the Family of God Lutheran Church, 4097 Martin Rd., followed by a funeral service at 11. Honor Guard to follow. The service for Ralph's son Mark will be held at the same time.