Ronald Bradley Nelson, 48, of Sebeka, passed away unexpectedly at his home southwest of Sebeka on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007.
He was born Feb. 8, 1959 at the Wesley Hospital in Wadena to Wilbert and Janetta (Schmitz) Nelson. He attended Sebeka Public Schools, graduating high school with the class of 1977. After graduation, he gained employment with the Arnold Olson Construction Company in Wadena. His career in construction spanned more than 27 years, covering a great variety of projects and locations. He married Janice Juntunen and they were blessed with one daughter, Jessica Lynn. His heart was broken by the tragic death of his precious daughter at the tender age of 16. His life was never the same after experiencing the devastating depth of his grief in this loss. He returned to Sebeka in spring 2005 and made his home on his brother Rick's farm near Sebeka. He loved the outdoors, his Irish Setter who he affectionately called "Stinky," and sitting around a campfire with his friends and family playing his guitar and singing. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed the ribbing from his loyal Viking supporter friends about the Vikes these past several years.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Sept. 26 at the Sebeka United Methodist Church with the Rev. Loren Ferch officiating. The casket bearers will be his friends, Stewart Limanen, Steve Limanen, Mike Schwartz, Butch Schwartz, Ron "Mouse" Hotakainen and Jeff Oakland. Interment will be made in the Hay Creek Cemetery in the Nelson family plot. The Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home of Sebeka and Menahga is in charge of the arrangements.
Survivors include his brothers, Robert (Lynette Burgau) Nelson of Circle Pines, Minn., and Richard "Sharkey" (Jaccie) Nelson of Sebeka; two nieces; as well as numerous other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Jessica.
