Ronald J. Nelson, MD

Beloved Husband & Father

Passed away peacefully on April 27. Preceded in death by his Loving Wife, Sandra, and Brother, James. Ron married the light of his life, Sandra J. Miller in 1960 and the fairytale lasted for 42 years. They were blessed with four Children, Douglas (Maureen) Nelson, Laural (Bill) Combs, Sheryl (Kris) Aurandt & Michelle (Paraj) Mandrekar; and Grandchildren, Gunnar, Alex, Logan, Echo, Nickolas, Megan & Kiran. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed duck hunting and fishing. He had a great sense of humor and went out of his way to help others. We would like to thank Dad’s special friend, Donna Steffen, who was an angel in Dad’s life, and ours.

Ron grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He graduated from The University of Minnesota Medical School in 1960. He interned at Ancker Hospital in 1961 and practiced in Osceola, Wisconsin. He served his country for 2 years in the Air Force as a Flight Surgeon. He subsequently entered private family practice in St. Paul in 1964. Dr. Nelson was instrumental in forming the East Metro Health Organization (EMHO) in St. Paul. From 1983-1984 he was Vice Chief of Staff at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, MN and was Chief of Staff in 1986. He was the President of EMHO and continued to hold that position until his retirement in 1997. He was a practicing family physician for 33 years at Maryland Clinic in St. Paul, MN and loved every minute of it! He is now in a happier place, and as he always said, “Next!...”

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society. Visitation at Wulff Funeral Home, 1485 White Bear Ave., St. Paul on Wednesday, April 30 from 4-8pm. Funeral Service at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, 1669 Arcade St. N. on Thursday, May 1 at 11:00 am, with visitation one hour prior. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Maplewood.