Robert LeRoy Nelson

He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and friend, whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew him.

Born in Cokato, MN, Bob was a wonderful man whose life left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bob served our country as Military Police from 1964 to 1966, a testament to his strong sense of duty and honor. This commitment to service defined much of his life and shaped the values he instilled in his family. Bob worked for the City of Blaine from 1969 until his retirement in 2000, where he worked as a Supervisor in the Public Works Department. Bob was a recognized leader for his strong work ethic and commitment to his team, but what made him unique was his humble nature and the respect he had for all of his co-workers.

Family was everything to Bob. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Noni, and a wonderful dad and grandpa. He embraced the title of “Dad” with pride; not only to his son, Troy, but also to Noni’s children, Jaymi, Mychal and Zachary. He raised and guided his children and always ensured they felt loved and supported.

Bob knew how to have a good time! Whether it was fishing, boating, or his love of nature, he found joy in the simplest of pleasures. He was always up for a trip to Mystic Lake with Noni, and back in the day, you had better watch out if Bob had a pool stick in hand! His jovial spirit and infectious laughter could brighten any room, and he had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. Friends and family alike would often remark that he was literally the nicest guy - a true embodiment of kindness and generosity.

At the age of 58, Bob faced the challenge of losing his vision. Yet in true Bob fashion, he never once complained. His perseverance and positive attitude were truly inspiring, reminding us all of the strength of the human spirit. Bob didn’t let his vision loss get in the way of living and enjoying life. You could often find Bob riding his bike, walking the dog, or meticulously caring for his yard. As Bob battled various health issues in the latter years of his life, he remained remarkably positive, spreading joy and laughter to those around him.

Bob cherished his role as a grandpa. His love for Madison, Garrett, Chrystian, Jordyn, Maia and Bryn was boundless. He took immense pride in being a grandpa and made it a priority to be actively involved in their lives, always ready with a story and a smile. Bob used to say, “children are the rainbows of our lives, and the grandchildren are the pots of gold.”

As we remember Bob, let us celebrate the legacy he leaves behind: a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith. Though we mourn his passing, we also honor the beautiful life he lived and the countless lives he touched.

Thank you, Bob, for being a guiding light in our lives. Your warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit will forever live on in our hearts. You will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held on February 13 at Peace Lutheran Church (20 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448), with a visitation at 10 AM, service at 11 AM, followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Communication Center State Services for the Blind at this link: https://www.givemn.org/story/Communication-Center-State-Services-For-The-Blind57daf2a99db77 or Peace Lutheran Church at this link: https://www.peacecoonrapids.org/giving/.

The family would like to recognize the medical professionals over the years who provided exceptional care to Bob. Thank you to Dr. Antolak; the caring medical staff at Blaine Allina; Dr. Feng and staff at Metropolitan Heart and Vascular Institute; Dr. King and staff at MN Oncology; and Allina Hospice.