Terry Edward Nelson
Nelson, Terry Edward 82, of Minnetonka, MN, died peacefully July 27, 2019 after a brief illness. Terry was born in Fergus Falls, MN on July 24, 1937 to parents Earl Nelson and Verna Peterson Nelson who preceded him in death, along with brother Roger Nelson, daughter-in-law Andrea Wolfe Nelson, & sister-in-law Lorene Hanson Lefdahl. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School & spent time in the US Army. Terry's life was the music business. As a 13-year-old he swept the floors for Roy Olson Music in downtown Fergus Falls; eight years later he bought the business with a partner and grew it to be the leading supplier to schools, churches and the community. Later he joined Music Marketing representing many national brands including Martin guitars, and then traveled the US as sales trainer for the Young Chang Piano Company. In addition to his work in music, he also spent five years as Vice President of Sales for Barrel O'Fun Snack Foods of Perham, MN. Terry was a leader in Fergus Falls. At age 28 he served as the youngest President of the Chamber of Commerce; served for twelve years on the City Council; was a member of the board of directors of First National Bank for twenty four years; and was a devoted member and leader at Federated Church. He also served for nineteen years on the board of AAA Minnesota; was named to the Outstanding Young Men of America in 1967; and was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners of America. He had a special gift of connecting with people. Terry had many strong friendships with people from all walks of life. He was a gifted listener and a gentle soul. He gave wise advice, but only if you wanted it. And he helped so many in so many ways. But the love of his life was his family. He is deeply missed by his loving wife of 61 wonderful years, Linnaea; sons Mark (significant other Nan) and Steven (Tammy); and grandchildren Dexter, Hugh, Reina, Olivia, and Elliott. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Jan Hanson & Bonita Johnson (David), brother-in-law Regan Lefdahl, sister-in-law Beverly Nelson, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved. Terry also enjoyed living beside a Minnesota lake for twenty summers, the Gulf of Mexico for twenty winters, and traveling the world with Linnaea. Our thanks to Grace Hospice, and especially nurse Deb, who gave Terry and his family such good care and comfort. A memorial service honoring Terry's life is being planned.
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