Ron was born in 1944 in Tonopah, NV to Russell and Arlene (Anderson) Nelson. He grew up in Cushing, MN with many cousins that he considered brothers. He graduated from Little Falls High School in 1962. Ron then attended St. Cloud State University, graduating with degrees in Economics and Accounting. He started working as a banker and worked at various locations in Minnesota. In 1975 he started the First National Bank in Sidney, MT with Ben Nordell. In the late 70's Ron and his then wife Evelyn moved to Grand Rapids and Ron established Itasca State Bank in Grand Rapids and worked there from 1980-1995. Ron then moved on to real estate as he loved land and lakes and developed multiple areas, including Great Sunset Point on Pokegama Lake. He owned and operated Prudential Lakes Realty and then later began Commercial appraisals and owned and operated RR Nelson Appraisals (later North Star Appraisals) which also helped develop real estate on various lakes.

Ron loved to reach out and make a difference in people's lives through relationships in banking and real estate. He wanted others to succeed as he had and helped numerous people in the community with their dreams of businesses and other endeavors. Ron loved Grand Rapids and served on several committees throughout his career. He served as President of Cap Baker Lions Club, was on the Chamber of Commerce board, and a member of Duck's Unlimited MN Deer Hunters and Ruffed Grouse Society.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Arlene Nelson, and an infant son John. He is survived by his daughters, Melinda (Rick) Foix and their children Christian and Madison Foix of Grand Rapids, MN, Amanda Nelson (Paul Lee) of Punta Gorda, FL, Caroline (Adam) Kolstad and their daughter Cecelia Kolstad of Pengilly, MN. Sister Shirley (David) Anderson of Overgaard, AZ, Former wife and lifelong friend Evelyn (James) Dingmann, Grand Rapids, MN, Tim (Jennifer) Bymark and their children Ryan and Ava Bymark of Grand Rapids, MN.

Ron had many hobbies that kept him busy, most of which was enjoying the land in God's country. He loved to hunt deer, bear, grouse but most of all ducks. Every year he would talk about when he first started duck hunting and how he had gone every season for over 55 years. Many of those cherished memories included hunting with his lifelong best friend, known as Big Body. He loved to fish the beautiful lakes in Minnesota and Canada and have shore lunch where he would always joke, everyone loved to catch and eat fish, but no one like to clean the fish. We said that's because he was so good at it! Ron water skied into his 50's and he was proud of it. He was tough as nails. He worked hard and played hard, and he went on countless adventures throughout his life.

He loved music. John Fogarty, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Tina Turner, Buddy Holly the Beatles, the list goes on and on. He would listen to music and sing along and play air piano on the dashboard of his car. Music was a staple in his life, which he passed on to his daughters and grandchildren. He played guitar in his younger years and gave his guitar to his Grandson Christian, which he currently plays.

Ron was an avid outdoorsman. Boating, snowmobiling, riding his ATV or just hanging out on a beach on Pokegama Lake or in Florida. He was a huge fan of the MN Gophers and Vikings, and he also enjoyed watching the Twins, but he'd watch all the teams.

Ron was an enormous fan of John Wayne, and he would quote him often or be watching some Western on TV. A stuffed garlic steak was his signature dish followed by his other favorite Hibachi. He would rave about it for days. He enjoyed an ice-cold coke out of the bottle and snickers candy bars, where he would joke about eating a Snickers while snickering.

Ron was quick-witted, funny and had endless one-liners that were belly laugh funny each and every time. He had a great sense of humor like his mother, Arlene. He was always present in her life and moved her to Grand Rapids to be close to family. Ron maintained a lasting friendship with his ex-wife Evelyn, and he shared holidays, special occasions or just about any time with the family and his daughters.

Ron had an impact on this community and the world. He used up his 9 lives or more. He will be greatly missed by many, and we'll miss his laughter and the little traditions we had with him. His faith in God was always strong and he never feared dying because of that. He was ready for God to call him home where he could be with the loved ones that have passed and that he has missed for a very long time. I know he's up there dancing, running around causing mischief and doing all of the things he couldn't do later in life. Most importantly he has been united with his parents, whom he loved so much. Rest in peace, General, one last Salute to you. We love you and we'll see you later.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 10:00AM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cohasset, MN followed by the 11:00 AM memorial ser. Burial will be at Union Cemetery, Cushing, MN at a later date.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

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