Rev. Troy Rodney Nelson

Nelson, Rev. Troy Rodney Age 60, of Burnsville, MN, passed away on January 21, 2023. Troy is survived by his loving wife Monica; his children Linda Stack-Nelson (Jack Sartin) and Michael Stack-Nelson; step-children Jason Dorow and Matthew Dorow; father Rodney (Patricia) Nelson; uncle Harold (Marleen) Carlson; aunt Lenore (Sam) Grinolds; and many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Carolyn Nelson and his uncle Mark Carlson. Troy was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on December 5, 1962, and lived most of his childhood in Columbia Heights, MN. He attended Minnehaha Academy for junior high and high school, graduating in 1981. With his quick wit and boisterous laugh, he could be a larger than life presence at school and with friends, but even as a teenager knew how to simply sit quietly beside you on your worst day. He attended St. Olaf College where he majored in English and Political Science and had a formative experience studying with other St. Olaf students in Jerusalem. Music was very important to Troy, and he was able to hone and use his beautiful singing voice in both Viking and Campus Choirs, before graduating in 1985. In 1987 Troy moved to Tokyo, Japan, where he served as a short-term missionary with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for two and a half years. While there, he taught intermediate and advanced conversational English as well as high school Sunday school, and helped lead English language Bible camps. Troy then returned to Minnesota to attend Luther Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1995. He interned at Jackson Lake Lutheran Church in Amboy, MN, and was then called to St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna, where he served for five years as the associate pastor. In 2001 Troy began a three-year call in contextual learning to Luther Seminary where he served under the auspices of a Lilly Grant. He also served as a supply preacher in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania while home schooling his children during their early years. He remembered fondly the time he spent being their teacher, especially "field trips" to historical sites along the east coast, and ANY time he could read to them. Troy enjoyed 17+ years working at Whole Foods Market in various supervisory and managerial roles while he focused on family and the joys of raising his children. Married to Monica on August 15, 2019, they began building a wonderful life together. Blessed to have 3 1/2 years, it was not nearly enough time for all they wanted to do and accomplish together. In 2021 he felt called to begin the process of getting re-rostered in the ELCA. He was overjoyed to return to ministry and to be called to serve at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Le Center, MN, in the fall of 2022. In the short time of his ministry there, he came to love and be deeply loved by all. He approached each day with joy and rejoiced in his good fortune to have the opportunity to minister to and work with the faith-filled wonderful people at St. Paul. Troy was the consummate people person. He had a kind word for virtually everyone he encountered and a deep faith and desire to serve the Lord. He was a skilled preacher and writer, a good shepherd and a humble servant. He lived his life grounded in Christ, endeavored each day to live his best life, and rejoiced in the promise of the resurrection. His children were his pride and joy, and his face showed it whenever he talked about them. He loved them with all his heart and was a proud and loyal fan at school plays and hockey games. He also was the most kind, loving and supportive husband, a generous and thoughtful stepfather, and a faithful loving son and son-in-law. He died a happy man. Troy rejoiced in ALL things hockey, the Minnesota Twins, and any University of Oklahoma team -"Boomer Sooner!" He and Monica enjoyed going for walks, playing pickle ball and racquetball, reading, movies, travel and spending as much time together and with family and friends as possible! He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, family, and friends; and always remembered for the truly good man he was! Visitation at Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel, 6527 Portland Ave. S., Richfield, MN 55423 on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 4-7 p.m. Memorial service will be held and live- streamed at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 7625 Chicago Ave. S., Richfield, MN 55423 on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 11 a.m., with visitation 1 hour prior. Celebration of Life Service at a date to follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 232 W. Minnesota St., Le Center, MN 56057. Memorials preferred to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Le Center, MN and/or House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Richfield, MN. Morris Nilsen Chapel 612-869-3226 morrisnilsen.com