Rev. Duane Juan Nelson

The Rev. Duane J. Nelson, 81, of Vadnais Heights, passed away on Friday, July 23, 2021, at home surrounded by family. Rev. Nelson was born Nov. 19th, 1939, in Urbana, IL, the son of the Rev. Elmer and Mabel Mae (Jones) Nelson. He grew up in Rantoul, IL, and graduated from Rantoul High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA and a Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA. He was ordained in 1965. He married Marlys Hawkinson on Aug. 30, 1974, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Park Ridge, IL. He served parishes in Massillon, OH, Indianapolis, IN, and Westchester, IL. He was a Chaplain for MN Treatment Center in Lino Lakes, MN, also Lutheran Social Services in Washington, D.C. and at Unity Hospital in Fridley MN. He then took a call to be Senior Chaplain at Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center in Anoka, MN where he spent 25 years until his retirement in 2005. During his time there he not only was the spiritual leader, but also a counselor to patients with mental health and addiction challenges. Duane was a member of Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview, MN. He was a strong family man who loved woodworking, traveling with Marlys, having friends on Fridays to play dominos, and telling stories about his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marlys; three sons, Matt (Shelly) children: Brianna and Brandan; Joshua (Caitlin) children: Greta and Andrik; Joel (Alissa) children: Avery and Annika; brother, Dr. Daniel (Beth); two sisters, Linda (Jan) Horne and Leah (Walt) Haussmann. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David. According to his wishes, Duane's body has been cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview, MN on Friday September 17th, 2021, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be on Thursday September 16th, 2021, from 4-8 p.m. at Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell Funeral Home in Shoreview, MN and Friday at church beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will be a private ceremony at Incarnation Cemetery, in Shoreview, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Incarnation Lutheran Church, 4880 Hodgson Rd, Shoreview, MN 55126, or to a charity of donor's choice.

Tributes

Rev. Duane Juan Nelson

November 19, 1939 - July 23, 2021

Tributes

Rev. Duane Juan Nelson

November 19, 1939 - July 23, 2021

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