Obituary of Cecil Lee Nelson

Cecil Lee Nelson of Otsego, Minnesota left this world peacefully on October 15, 2020.

Cecil was born on June 1, 1940 to Ida (Puck) Nelson and Cecil J. Nelson in Spirit Lake, Iowa. An only child, he grew up on Spirit Lake where his parents ran West Side Resort. He had many adventures fishing, duck and pheasant hunting with his Dad.

Cecil graduated high school in 1959 and then graduated from Mankato State University. One of the first weeks of college Cecil met the love of his life Beverly Algaard. He and Beverly were married at Kingo Lutheran Church in Fosston, Minnesota on September 12, 1964.

Cecil began his working career as an industrial arts teacher. He quickly pivoted to selling stocks across Iowa.  He was a proud third generation, fifty-six-year member of the masonic fraternity and past Master of Twilight Lodge #329. He was also a third generation member of Abu Bekr Shrine Temple and a member of Zurah Shrine Center. 

In 1972 the family moved to New Hope, Minnesota. Cecil was a consummate entrepreneur and over the years started and ran several successful businesses.  He enjoyed visiting with customers and was still passionate about selling power tools well into his retirement.

The cabin Cecil built from scratch on Mille Lacs Lake was the family’s favorite place to be.  Many memorable summers were spent together there. He loved taking Bevy to Copper Mountain for skiing in the winter and snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Cecil adored his family and was a wonderful and affectionate husband, father and grandfather.  Red was his favorite color and we are wearing it in his honor.

He is survived by wife Beverly, daughter Jennifer (Jon) Schroeder, son John (Stacey) Nelson, granddaughter Megan Schroeder, grandson Ben (Ellen) Schroeder, grandson Jordan Nelson, granddaughter Paige Nelson, grandson Jack Schroeder, grandson Brandon Nelson, sisters in-law, brothers in-law, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Father Cecil J. Nelson, Mother Ida (Puck) Nelson, infant sister Carol, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws.

Cecil will be greatly missed, and never forgotten. Due to COVID-19, a private family service will be held on Thursday November 12, 2020 at 2pm. Burial will be in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers - do something nice for someone else in Cecil’s memory. Donations preferred to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children or to a charity of your choice in Cecil’s honor.