MANKATO–Einar Nelson, age 96 of Mankato, formerly of New Ulm, died peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Mankato Lodge Senior Living Community in Mankato.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm with Pastor Nathan Scharf officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in New Ulm. Full military honors will be provided by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church prior to the service. To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Einar is survived by his daughters, Kathleen (Rick) Gappa of Nicollet, Peggy (Gary) Dorn of Faribault, Susan Nelson of Mankato, Wendy Nelson of St. Peter; his 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Narve Nelson and Thorild (Ardith) Nelson; his sister-in-law, LaDonna Kettner.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Marlys in 2023; parents, Gottfred and Alice Nelson; parents-in-law, William and Ella Roepke; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lola and Elmer Gag; brother-in-law, Don Kettner; sister-in-law, Vreela Nelson.

Einar Peter Nelson was born November 28, 1928 in New Ulm to Gottfred and Alice (Peterson) Nelson. In 1951, Einar joined the United States Army, serving for 2 years. Einar was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marlys Roepke on February 5, 1952, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm. This union blessed the couple with four daughters whom together they raised in rural Nicollet. Einar was a proud and dedicated farmer his whole life. Alongside his two brothers, Einar was part owner of Nelson Brothers Tiling. Einar and Marlys moved to New Ulm in the early 1990s, when he retired from farming. He continued working for the tiling business, until finally fully retiring in his 80s. Einar loved woodworking and spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Einar was a devout member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Countless memories of Einar will live on forever in all who knew and loved him. Blessed be his memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.

Einar’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring and compassionate staff at the Mankato Lodge Senior Living for all that they do.

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