Nelson, Gary L. Age 82, of Malmo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2019 at the V.A. hospital in St. Cloud, MN after a brave battle against colon cancer. Gary is survived by his wife Joyce of 61 years, sons Tom (Denise), Eric (Yuaki), Matt (Janis), sister Eileen, & beloved granddaughters Josephine and Veronica. Gary was a loving father, husband, brother, grandfather, and friend to everyone. Gary was born in Webster, South Dakota on March 15, 1937, and graduated from Roslyn High School, class of 1955, in Roslyn, South Dakota. He often enjoyed fishing, or hunting pheasants and ducks with his father, Clarence, before school. Gary married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Lardy, on August 9, 1958 in Webster, South Dakota. He served as an Army Officer for 2 years active duty, and 10 years in the Army Reserves. Gary received his B.A., M.A., and PhD in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. He worked for the Burnsville school district for 37 years as a Psychologist and then Director of Special Education in Burnsville, Minnesota. O Captain! Our Captain! Gary's wide range of interests and hobbies included: sailing, golfing, fishing, gardening, coaching his sons' baseball, football, and basketball teams, and traveling with his family across the USA, especially to Hawaii, California, Las Vegas, and Florida. After retirement, Gary and Joyce moved fulltime to the Happiest Place on Earth, their cabin on Lake Mille Lacs in Malmo, Minnesota. With The Good Lord's Blessing, he spent the last 23 years of his life surrounded by family and friends enjoying BBQs, bonfires, horseshoes, hot tubs, pancake breakfasts, and fishing tournaments. All while telling jokes and petting dogs! Join us for a celebration of Gary's life on Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 10:00AM to 1:00PM at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave. S., Edina, MN 55435.