LeRoy C. Nelson

LeRoy “Lee” Charles Nelson, 85, went home to rest in the arms of Jesus on September 2, 2024.

Private family services are being held.

Lee was born in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, on October 23, 1938, the third child of Clarence and Laura Nelson. One of the first words he spoke sounded like Bub, and thus became his lifelong nickname.

At an early age Lee moved with his family to Philip, South Dakota, where he met Sharon Joyce who became his wife of 66 years. From this union they were blessed with four children: Blaine, Dawn, Joyce, and Scott.

Lee was baptized into God’s family on May 17, 1942. This was a special day in Lee’s life as he was united in marriage to Sharon on this date in 1958, their daughter, Dawn, was born on this date in 1961, and his great grandson, Reese, was also baptized on this date in 2023.

Lee was confirmed in his faith on May 31,1953. His certificate of confirmation gives us the assurance of life everlasting in John 3:16.

When Lee was 18 years old, an acquaintance needed a ride to Rapid City, SD. During the ride, the man asked Lee if he ever considered working for the United States Postal Service. In 1957, he began his postal career on the mobile unit in Minneapolis, MN. With his hard work and integrity, he became a United States Postal Inspector in 1967.

From the small town of Philip, SD, his postal career of 33 years took him and his family throughout the country. His first assignment was Mankato, MN, and with that his fandom of the Minnesota Vikings was born. Other moves the family made were to Rockford, IL, Bismarck, ND, Minneapolis, MN, and New York City, NY.

Lee was fortunate to retire from the Postal Inspection Service at the age of 52. He and Sharon moved to Kelly Greens in Ft. Myers, Florida. Living there year-round for 23 glorious years. He kept himself active serving as president of their condo association for many years. As their friends headed north, he helped maintain their homes and for seven years he worked at Publix grocery store in the deli department. He enjoyed golf, friendships, watching his beloved New York Yankees, and searching for the perfect seashell. In 2016, they returned to Bismarck to be close to family.

He will be truly missed by his wife, Sharon; children, Blaine (Della) Nelson, Dawn (Mark) Costain, of Bismarck, Joyce (Blaine Larson) Nelson, Ft. Collins, CO, Scott (Cherry) Nelson, Corona, CA; grandchildren, Lexie (Chris) Jensen, Lindsey (Chris) Ibach, Laurie (John) Krueger, Nick Nelson, Nicole (Aaron) Henne, Molly (Anthony) Ereth, Skylar Larson, Abby Nelson, and Jennah Nelson; 16 great grandchildren with two additional to be born soon; his sister, Eileen Fitzgerald, Murdo, SD; brother, Arlie (Tari) Nelson, Newcastle, WY, and several nieces and nephews.

Lee was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Clarence and Laura, and his sister, Kathryn (Katie) Drageset.

The family wishes to thank St. Gabriel’s for the care that was given to our dad.

Lee will be remembered and forever loved. 85 years seems far too short for the people blessed by his life. Praise be to God for the life of Lee!