Gerald "Keebler" Nelson

Gerald “Keebler” or “Jerry” Nelson, 94, of Brainerd, passed away at his home on Sunday, February 14, 2021.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd. The family will host a gathering after the service at their home (13606 Nokay Lake Road, Brainerd).

Jerry was born November 11, 1926 in Brainerd, MN, the son of Peter and Alice (Gildart) Nelson. Jerry married Janice Robertson on December 31, 1950.  Together they had five children. Jerry enlisted in the US Army and served during the Korean Conflict.  He was awarded the Purple Heart. Following his honorable discharge, Jerry worked as a miner in Ely before moving to Brainerd where he worked for Potlatch until his retirement in 1989. The couple enjoyed winters in Arizona, where they spent many weekends selling at local flea markets. He also volunteered full-time at Dorcas. When Janice’s health failed, he would visit her daily at Almond House. Lunches at The Barn were a highlight – both for the pie and the conversation with friends.

Gerald will be missed and is survived by his daughter, Geraldine (Ray) Peterson; sons, Jim (Mary) Nelson and Gary (Cathy) Nelson; grandchildren, Teresa (Tim Nicholson), Melanie (Ray Leiding), Sarah (Dave Goodman), Elizabeth (Mark) Nelson, Eli Nelson, Anna (Josh) Rosenberg, Megan Nelson, and Kayla (John) Nelson; great-grandchildren, Kylie and T.J. Nicholson, Dylan, Joshua and Matthew Leiding, and Madelynn and Nolan Rosenberg; brother, Bill (Berdeen) Nelson; and special friend, Charlotte Haney.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; sons, Alan and Scott; parents; and siblings, Dale, Bernard, Alice Marie, and Beverly.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald "Keebler" Nelson, please visit our floral store.