Manford 'Manny' Nelson — Mabel

Manford 'Manny' Nelson, 65, of Mabel, died peacefully with family surrounding him on Aug. 6, 2013, at the Green Lea Manor Nursing Home, following a brief illness.

He was born Oct. 2, 1947, to James & Norma (Blagsvedt) Nelson. Heattended Newburg country school and Mabel High School, where he graduated in1967. He was in the United States Army from 1968-1969. He married Jeanette Hermanson in June 1974. She passed away in January 1980. He married Patty Denstad in July 1982, and they had three children, Melissa, Michelle and Michael. They were later divorced. He married Donna Wager in June 2002, and they had a son, MacKenzie. She passed away in May 2004.

Manford lived in the Mabel area most of his life. He was a member ofthe Mabel First Lutheran Church and of the Legion Post 299 and enjoyed allthe community events. He especially enjoyed going to truck pulls, Mabel's50-60's Days, Steam Engine Days and the area parades. His greatest love wasspending time with his children and visiting with the family.

Manford most recently worked for the Spring Grove School as a janitorand had worked for the Caledonia School, Northern Engraving, HECO, Sara Leeand various other places.

He is lovingly survived by his children, Melissa, Michelle and Michael andMacKenzie Nelson; a step-daughter, Holly Wager; MacKenzie's special friend,Megan Kiehne; a brother, Stanley (Marcia) Nelson; sisters, Beatrice (Norman)Sjarpe, Diane Thorson, Carolyn (Steve) Gulbranson, Cheryl (Dan) Wiste,Marianne (Paul) Rosaaen, Sandy (Kevin) Nelson, and Dorene Nelson; and severalnieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wives; his parents; a brother, Richard;a sister, Darlyne Messner; and a brother-in-law, Bob Thorson.

Manford was a very loving and caring and quiet person. He will be missed by many.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013, at the MabelFirst Lutheran Church in Mabel, with the Rev. Len Liptack officiating. Burial will be in the Mabel Lutheran Cemetery with military honors by the Mabel American Legion. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, atthe Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel, and one hour prior to services at the

church.