Nelson, Rodney Dennis

March 20, 1966 – November 16, 2019
Age 53 of Spring Lake Park, passed away, Saturday November 16, 2019 in a tragic house fire, along side his brother, Richard Nelson. A celebration of life service will be held at the Anoka American Legion from 11am-3pm, on January 5, 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Rick and Rodney’s Memorial Fund,” via gofundme.com. Rodney was born March 20, 1966 in Minneapolis Minnesota to O’dean and Donna Nelson. After high school, Rodney joined the National Guard, and spent 7 years as a sergeant, radio teletype operator, and forward observer. While in the military, he met the love of his life, and together they had a son named Rodney Edward Nelson. He then went on to be employed with RAO manufacturing, where he worked as a welder and CNC operator/machinist. Rodney was an avid outdoors man; enjoying hunting, fishing, and biking. He spent much of his free time with family and watching Minnesota sports. He said his two greatest accomplishments in life were “joining the service, and having my son.” Rodney always had a smile on his face and a joke ready to share. His ability to make people laugh will be remembered forever. Rodney is survived by his son, Rodney Edward Nelson and wife Melissa of Green Bay Wisconsin; his two brothers, Randal Nelson and wife Darlene of Andover Minnesota, and Robert Nelson of Andover Minnesota; sister RyChel Gaustad and husband Steve of Andover Minnesota; several nieces and nephews including his godchild Hope Domeier and husband Chase of Coon Rapids Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, O’dean and Donna Nelson; and brother Richard Nelson. (Published in the Star Tribune on December 8, 2019)