Rev. Craig W. Nelson

The Reverend Craig W. Nelson, retired President of Minnehaha Academy, died peacefully on January 5, 2023, after a short illness. He recently moved to Maryville, Tennessee, to live near his daughter, son-in-law, and beloved grandson. Born March 8, 1932, in the worst year of the Great Depression, he went to his heavenly home after ninety years of life in service to God and others.

Craig valued education, the ministry of the church to others, and family. After graduating from Minnehaha Academy in 1949, he attended North Park College (A.A. 1951) and Northwestern University (B.A. 1955, M.A. 1959) in Chicago. He then followed his father, the Rev. Clarence Nelson, into the ministry by attending North Park Theological Seminary (B.D. 1957, M.A. 1959) and becoming ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Craig pastored Covenant congregations in Villa Park, IL., Red Wing, MN., Dearborn, MI., and Bloomington, MN. Throughout his ministry, he worked with civic organizations and in his final church served as a volunteer chaplain with the Minneapolis Police Department (1972–1977) and the Bloomington Police Department (1973–1977). In 1977 he was called to focus his career on education. Craig became the President of Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis. During his tenure there, he oversaw the expansion of the school to two campuses and the addition of grades K-6. He worked tirelessly to raise funds and upon his retirement in 1994 left the institution debt free and in strong financial health. More than anything, he enjoyed teaching his Bible class, going to student performances, cheering on the Redhawks in a wide variety of sporting events, and encouraging the kids and their families along the journey of developing thinking minds and empathetic hearts. His dedication to education led him to active service as a trustee, treasurer, and chair of the Minnesota Independent School Forum from 1977-2000. He also became a founding trustee and consultant for Providence Academy in Plymouth, MN. His career earned him recognition in Who’s Who in Education in America and designation as a Distinguished Alumnus of both Minnehaha Academy and North Park University. After retiring to Spring Park, MN., Craig took up community service in the Lake Minnetonka area. He believed strongly in protecting the health of the lake and the public’s access and safety on the lake. To that end he served as a director, treasurer, and vice chairman of the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District from 1995-2004.

Above all else, Craig loved his family and spending time with them. He married Betty McLouth of New London, MN., in 1956. He spent fifty-one years eating delicious meals that Betty cooked, raising their two children, Cynthia and Jon, and enjoying boating, camping, and traveling throughout the United States and Canada. After 1995 he found the greatest joy in talking, fishing, hunting, and laughing with his only grandson, Rob. After Betty’s death in 2007, Craig found a new home at Covenant Living of Golden Valley and spent many hours enjoying activities there and the company of other residents.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Nelson, and his parents, Rev. Clarence and Blanche Nelson.

Craig is survived by his son Jon Nelson and daughter-in-law Beth Olfelt Nelson, daughter Cynthia Nelson Meyer and son-in-law Bill Meyer, grandson Rob Meyer, and Rob’s fiancé Savannah Lindsey.

A memorial service will take place at 1:30pm on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at First Covenant Church, 1280 Arcade St., St. Paul.

Memorials may be made in Craig's name to First Covenant Church, St. Paul or Minnehaha Academy - The Clarence and Blanche Nelson Scholarship Fund.