Norman J. Nelson, age 72, resident of rural Pekin, ND, passed away Thursday, February 3, 2011 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Norman Jay Nelson was born February 12, 1938 at McVille, ND, the son of Jacob and Martha (Dahl) Nelson.  He was raised on the family farm and educated in Wamduska Township of Nelson County.  He then attended mechanical school in Ellendale, ND.  Norman began farming with his father, Jacob, and later took over operation of the family farm near Stump Lake.  He never married.   Norman will be remembered as a quiet and gentle man who, after retiring in the middle 1990's, devoted himself to caring for his large farm yard.  He was an accomplished accordionist and also restored old farm tractors with his brother, Norris.

Norman is survived by a sister, Solveig (Roy) Lindvall of Grand Forks, ND; a brother, Norris (LaVonne) Nelson of Thompson, ND; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant sister, Norma Nelson.

The Funeral Service for Norman will be held at the Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home, McVille, ND, on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.  Officiating will be the Reverend Jessica Merchant.  Music will be provided by Darrell Haugen.  Interment will be in the spring at the Center Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural McVille, ND.   Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.