Roger L. Nelson

Roger L. Nelson, age 84, of Madison Lake passed away peacefully on February 17, 2017, surrounded by his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 23, at All Saints Catholic Church in Madison Lake. Burial will be on a later date. Visitation will be from 5:00 7:00 PM on Wednesday, February 22 at Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremations Services ~ Arnoldt Chapel in Janesville and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Memorials are preferred to All Saints School, or Mayo Clinic Cancer Research Center.
www.janesvillefuneral.com
Roger was born on September 21, 1932 to John and Mary (Johnson) Nelson in Pine City. He attended Pine City Public School where he graduated with the class of 1950. In 1953 Roger entered military service and serviced one year at Fort Hood, Texas and was in Germany. Roger married his high school sweetheart, Darlene on January 9, 1954 and together they raise four children. Upon his honorable discharge in 1955, he began his 37 year career in the banking Business in Minneapolis and in 1960 joined State Capital Credit Union in St. Paul. In 1970, Roger opened the first office in Minneapolis for IBM Mid America Federal Credit Union and in 1973, transferred to their home office in Rochester as director of marketing and branch offices.
In 1984, Roger became president of Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union. During his credit union career, he served on the Board of Directors of Minnesota League, Minnesota Corporate Credit Union and (CUNA) National Credit Union Administration.
Later Roger was in the fire safety business and in 1997, his son-in-law suggested he should retire, so he could play golf full-time instead of part-time.
Roger was an avid boater and fisherman with many fly-in trips to Canada. He was also an avid golfer and played many golf courses throughout the United States and 120 different golf courses in Minnesota with 4 holes in one. Roger especially enjoyed every minute he spent with his entire family.
Roger wanted to thank the doctors and staff at Mankato Clinic and Mayo Clinic Health System and his many friends and many golfing buddies throughout the years. God Bless.
Roger is survived by his loving wife of 63 wonderful years, Darlene; his four children: Terry (Sherri) of Inver Grove Heights, Brian (Carla) of Rochester, Michelle (Ira) Beckman of Jordan and Sharla (Thad) Zellmer of Janesville; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and three brothers with all four siblings serving in World War II with one brother receiving a Purple Heart.