Kenneth Paul Nelson

Ken was born February 7th, 1939, in Belview, MN to Vern Nelson and Eva (Donahue) Nelson, the third of four children. His family moved to Winona and that is where he met the love of his life, Marian “Toots” Babcock. After graduating from Winona High School in 1957, he enlisted in the Army, and was honorably discharged in 1959. He returned home and married Toots on September 2nd, 1961. They made a life in Winona and that is where Ken started his banking career and they began their family with their son, Tim.

In 1973, they moved to South Saint Paul for the opportunity for Ken to become the Senior Lender of what’s now known as Bremer Bank. One year later, in 1974, they added to their family with their daughter, Aimee. The family moved to Woodbury in 1977 and Ken and Toots have made their home there ever since.

Ken’s career at Bremer spanned 30 years and was the place he would retire from in 2002 as an Executive Vice President.

Over the years, he contributed and volunteered for many organizations but most notably the Jaycees, Rotary, H.E.A.R.T., Southview Country Club Board of Directors, Chamber of Commerce, Woodbury Lutheran Church committees, Bremer Bank Board of Directors and he played an instrumental part in setting up the South Saint Paul Education Foundation.

Ken enjoyed golf, golf, and more golf. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family, mowing his lawn, playing cards with his buddies, watching any sporting event on TV, and the opportunity to meet new people. But the one thing that gave him the most joy was spending time with his grandchildren any chance he could get. He and Grandma Toots made sure the grandkids got to go and see many places – everywhere from Chanhassen Dinner Theater to Como Zoo to Disneyworld.

Ken is survived by Toots, his wife of almost 60 years; two children: Tim Nelson of Woodbury and Aimee (Shawn) Peltier of Spicer; 3 granddaughters Nikki Nelson (and fiancé Nick Battis), Addison Peltier and Sydney Peltier; brothers Bob (Joyce) Nelson and Don (Patty) Nelson; sister Jean Polus; brother-in-law Roger Neitzke; special godson, Bob Neitzke plus many nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in laws Arden Hackbarth and Pete Polus; sisters-in-laws Kay Neitzke and Joan Hackbarth.

Services for Ken will be Friday, April 9th at 1pm at Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Road, Woodbury. Visitation will be one hour before. Social distancing guidelines must be practiced and all guests in attendance will be required to wear a mask. Burial will follow on Saturday, April 10th at 1pm at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona.