Raleigh P Nelson

Age 91 of North Oaks, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2017, after a long, successful and well-lived life. Raleigh was a humble man, generous to all and loyal to family and friends, with an inborn sense of humor, travel and adventure. He graduated from Murray High School in St. Paul in 1943 and from the University of Minnesota in 1953 with a degree in technical agriculture. Between 1943 and 1953 he served the U.S. twice, in World War II (1943-1945) during which he was in the Battle of the Bulge, and in the Korean War (1950-1952).Raleigh married Barbara Burgess in 1953, and started a long, varied career, first as an agronomist for Northrup King and Phillips Petroleum from 1953-1964, and then, in 1964, as a franchisee for the then fledgling Burger King Corporation, opening store #174 in St. Paul. He and Barbara were fortunate to operate 7 successful Burger Kings in the Twin Cities during the period 1964-1983, and after that, were involved in a number of other restaurants in the Twin Cities, and two real estate developments in Florida. They were also fortunate to travel the world extensively, an opportunity they treasured. Throughout his life, Raleigh was a giver, of his time, his advice and his resources, to many people, organizations and communities, particularly including the University of Minnesota, Gethsemane Lutheran Church in St. Paul, the Boy Scouts, and others too numerous to mention here.He will be dearly missed by his wife of 63 years, Barbara (Burgess) Nelson, his son, Gregg Nelson, and his wife Colleen and their daughters, Lauren and Emily Nelson, and his son, Timm Nelson and his children, Valerie and Oliver Nelson. He is also survived by many valued cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Raleigh was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad Nelson and Mildred (Polk) Nelson, and in early 2016 by his lifelong friend and brother, Roger Nelson.A visitation will be held Thursday, January 26, from 4-8 p.m. at Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell, 515 Highway 96 West, Shoreview, MN; and a celebration of life on Friday, January 27, at 11:00 a.m. (with visitation at 10:00 a.m.) in the chapel at Waverly Gardens, 5919 Centerville Road, North Oaks, MN.Memorials may be given in Raleigh's memory to Gethsemane Lutheran Church or an entity of donor's choice.

Tributes

Raleigh P Nelson

September 11, 1925 - January 22, 2017

Tributes

Raleigh P Nelson

September 11, 1925 - January 22, 2017

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