Dennis Einar Nelson

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, the Nelson and Hauser families announce the passing of kind, funny and caring father, grandfather, husband, partner, uncle, brother and friend, Dennis Nelson. Dennis was diagnosed with leukemia in the Fall 2021 and being the stubborn Norwegian he was, he was not leaving this world without a knock-down, drag-out fight. Through it all, his smile and hopeful spirit remained. As the clouds parted and the bright sun rose the morning of August 09, 2023, Dennis was reunited with his wife, Kathryn and loved ones that passed before him. Denny was born March 12, 1946 to Victor and Signe Nelson. He graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1964 where he played hockey and baseball and made lifelong friendships. From 1967 to 1969, Denny served as a Marine in Danang, Viet Nam. After returning from Viet Nam, he met his wife, Kathryn Milano. They enjoyed 33 years of marriage filled with backyard BBQ, laughs and love. He got the nickname Denim Denny for wearing nothing but a denim apron as he manned the grill during many of these neighborhood parties. Denny and Kathryn had two children, Kristian and Brooke, who he devoted his life to being the best father. He attended their ski, track, and gymnastics meet, he coached youth soccer, and he built his son a skateboarding ramp in the yard. Denny especially enjoyed hunting in Ely, MN with the kids, best friends Pete and Judi Boone and the Milano family. In the latter part of his life, he continued to support his family by taking care of the grandchildren and showing up at sporting events. Grandpa D ran a strict but fun daycare and will be remembered for making the best Kraft macaroni and cheese. He joined the Wu Chiang Clan soccer team, a city co-ed rec league where his son was the captain. He still remains on record with the rec league as the oldest soccer player at 66 years old with a one-timer goal. Eventually a hamstring pull forced him to hang up his cleats. He continued to come to the game as a cheerleader with his bull horn. Denny worked as a welder for 35 years and eventually took his trade to a creativity level making furniture and selling it at the Loring Art Fair and the Uptown Art Fair. He took up scuba diving and made yearly trips to Cozumel to dive. In 2006, Denny met his second love, Marlene Carlson. Denny and Marlene shared a sweet love and friendship for 17 years. They spent their time watching movies, having dinners with friends and family, and traveling. Kind messages from those who knew Denny repeatedly described him as the best of the best, a good man, an honest man with great integrity, and someone who just lit up a room with his smile. Dennis Nelson is survived by his son, Kristian (Ngoc); daughter, Brooke (Brian); grandchildren, Rocco, Bianca, Reese and Fiona; partner, Marlene, and her family (Marjorie/Curtis Carlson and their children Ella, Ean and Noah, Paul (Kim) and his children Christian and Zane); brother, Mike Nelson; beloved Milano family members; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Denny was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn; and his brother, John. Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life service which will be held on Saturday, August 19th at 11 AM at Washburn-McReavy Glen Haven Chapel, 5125 W Broadway, Crystal, MN 55429. Visitation one hour prior. Denny's request for a service was that he wanted people to come together, share stories, and say a few nice words about him. You got it "Nels!" "Denim" "Marine 1!" We will toast to you as you are sipping on your Majestic in the heavens. In the immortal words of Clark W. Griswold, "We are going to have so much f***ing fun, you'll all be singing Zippity Do-Da out of your a**holes!"

Tributes

Dennis Einar Nelson

March 12, 1946 - August 9, 2023

Tributes

Dennis Einar Nelson

March 12, 1946 - August 9, 2023

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