Age 105 of Anoka. Stanford went to the Lord on Thursday, November 20, 2025, with loving family by his side. Stanford was born September 22, 1920, to Isaac and Christine Nelson of Dawson, Minnesota. Stan graduated from Dawson High School in 1939. He was a three-sport athlete competing in football, basketball, and baseball. Stan graduated from Augsburg College in 1943. At Augsburg he was a four-year starter in football and a three-year starter in basketball and baseball. Stan continued his education, earning his master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota in 1951.
Upon completion of his degree at Augsburg, Stan served his country as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the United States Navy. He participated in the D Day invasion at Normandy Beach on June 6, 1944. He is a member of what has become deservedly known as America’s Greatest Generation.
At Augsburg College, he met the “love of his life”, Marcella Solheim. They were married 64 years until her passing on June 28, 2011. His teaching and coaching career took them to Zumbrota (2 years), and Farmington (5 years). Stan began his career at Anoka High School in 1953 as the head football coach and assistant basketball and baseball coach.
Stanford was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved Anoka High School and the community of Anoka.
Coach Nelson was named the Minnesota State Coach of the Year in 1964. He has been inducted into 5 Hall of Fames – Augsburg College, the Minnesota Football Coaches Association, the Minnesota State High School League, the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association, and the Old Timers Football Hall of Fame.
Preceded in death by parents, Isaac and Christine; wife, Marcella; brothers, Norman (Lucille) and Edor (Dorothy); sister, Belma (Dan) Johnson; son-in-law, Richard King and great grandson Riggins Larson.
Stanford is survived by his daughter Cheryl King of Eden Prairie, son Steve (Angela) Nelson of Middleboro, MA, and son Dave (Maureen) Nelson of Chanhassen; Grandchildren Kyle (Kelly) King, Jason (Deanna) King, Sarah (Josh) Stephan, Ashley (Josh) Larson, Jesse (Sarah) Nelson, Cameron (Barrett) Huffmyer, Casey Nelson, Caitlin (Brian) Barry, Kelli (Todd) Rixon, Grace Nelson and 23 great grandchildren. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 South Fourth Avenue in Anoka. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 AM. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Anoka Athletic Alumni Club, 15960 Saint Andrews Lane, Ramsey, MN 55303.
