Dana J. Nelson

Dana Jergen Nelson was born on July 14, 1967, to Paul and Carla (Swanson) Nelson in Minneapolis, MN. His childhood journey took him through several states, including Missouri and Iowa, before finding a home in Moorhead, MN, at the age of 10. He excelled in his studies, graduating from Moorhead High School in 1986 and continuing his academic pursuits at Concordia College, where he earned his degree in 1990. Dana’s thirst for knowledge led him to attain a master’s degree from Carlson Business School in 2004, a testament to his dedication and hard work.

A twist of fate brought Dana to a blind date that blossomed into a beautiful love story. After five wonderful years together, Dana married Carol Johnson on June 27, 2003. They built a loving home in Dilworth, which became a haven for their two cherished children, Isaac and Anja. Dana was an incredibly proud father, deeply involved in their lives, guiding them with care and intention as they navigated home, school, and work.

Dana’s professional journey was marked by his remarkable computer engineering skills at esteemed companies such as Great Plains Software, Microsoft, Echelon, Cargill, and most recently, Doosan-Bobcat. His career granted him the opportunity to travel across the globe, from Europe to Australia and New Zealand. When he wasn’t working, Dana was a true jack of all trades, operating a home rental business and using his DIY talents to both maintain and improve the properties he managed and his own beloved home.

A passionate runner, Dana proudly completed numerous half and full marathons, including four times at Grandma’s Marathon and events in Tahoe, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. He found joy and solace at their serene lake home near Park Rapids, MN, where he enjoyed fishing, fly fishing, canoeing, and immersing himself in nature. Often, those tranquil moments included the comforting sounds of NPR playing in the background.

Dana's warmth and vivacious spirit touched all who knew him. He left us on March 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with brain cancer, surrounded by the love of his family at their home in Dilworth, MN, under the compassionate care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

As we remember Dana, we celebrate a life filled with love, adventure, and unwavering dedication to family and friends. He will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife Carol Nelson; two children: Isaac and Anja Nelson; siblings: Chris (Cori) Nelson of Inver Grove Heights, Ben (Julie) Pearson-Nelson of Virginia, Rebekah (Bjorn) Isbacke of Sweden, Chip (Amy) Pearson of St. Paul, MN, and Kate (Annie) Pearson of Maplewood, MN; aunt and uncle Jerry (Kristina) Swanson of Willmar, MN; aunt Muriel (Walter) Hurdle; father, Paul Nelson of Florida; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great nieces and nephews.

Dana was preceded in death by his mother, Carla; and grandparents, Harry (Fern) Nelson and Ray (Myrtle) Swanson.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Dilworth Lutheran Church in Dilworth with Rev. Elizabeth Hiller officiating.

A time of gathering and visitation will begin at noon that day.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Roger Maris Cancer Center, or Dilworth Lutheran Church. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.KorsmoFuneralService.com

To view the livestream of the funeral please see the livestream box below.  If there are any technical difficulties, the livestream can also be found on Dilworth Lutheran Church Facebook page.