Gordon W. "Oxie" Nelson died Tuesday, September 29, 2009, in the Palliative Care Unit at the Veteran's Medical Center, Fargo, ND.
Gordon was born August 25, 1925, to Gustav and Clara (Christianson) Nelson. He grew up in Dilworth, MN, and graduated from Dilworth High School on June 4, 1943. Gordon enlisted in the Navy in 1943, and was discharged in 1946.
Gordon started working for the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1941. He continued working for the railroad after serving in the Navy. He began his career as a crew-caller. He later became a clerk, switchman, yard master, and terminal train master. Gordon retired from the Burlington Northern in 1986 after 46 years of service.
Gordon married Joyce Costello on August 27, 1946. They had two children, Larry in 1948 and Debbie in 1950. His only grandchild, Brittany, was born February 15, 1984. In August of this year, Gordon and Joyce celebrated 64 years of marriage.
Gordon and Joyce also ran Oxie's Fuel Oil Company in the 1960's. He delivered fuel oil to many homeowners in Dilworth.
Gordon was an active member of the community. He was a lifetime member and served as a service officer and commander for the American Legion. He was also a charter member of the local Lions Club.
After Gordon retired, he was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Veteran's Medical Center and the Fargo Municipal Airport. In addition to his volunteer duties, he made sure he had time for his granddaughter, Brittany, taking her to and picking her up from Dakota Montessori School in Fargo.
Gordon was a good and loving provider to his family. He loved to drive and take trips. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; a son, Larry; his daughter, Debbie Hendrickson; granddaughter, Brittany Hendrickson; two brothers, Howard (Lorita) Nelson, Dilworth, and Donald (Phyllis) Nelson, Glyndon, MN; his sister, Eileen Larsen, Richardson, TX; a
The family would like to thank the staff at the Villa Maria Nursing Home, including his niece, Sheila Young, and great-niece, Jessica Young, for their loving care of Gordon and most recently the staffs at MeritCare and the Palliative Care Unit at the VA M
Visitation: Friday from 5 - 7 PM with a Prayer Service at 7 PM, Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.
Funeral: Saturday, October 3, 2009, at 10 AM, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Dilworth.
Burial: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead.