Earl Francis Nelson, 92, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2018 in his home from bladder cancer. He was born August 26, 1925 in Ridgely Township, MN to Peter and Mabel (Skau) Nelson. Earl graduated from High School and is a U.S. Army WWII Veteran. He married Joyce Jemming on October 18, 1948. Earl worked for the Chicago North Western Railroad as a Telegrapher, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He had served as Grand Knight in LaCrescent, MN. Earl enjoyed stained glass, the outdoors, fishing and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lowell Nelson; sister-in-law, Mary Lee Nelson; and brother-in-law, Jerome Lux. Earl is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joyce (Jemming) Nelson of Grand Rapids, MN; son, Larry (Betty) Nelson of Harris, MN; two grandchildren, Sara (Tim) Prosen of Esko, MN, Jesse (Hyedi) Nelson of Minneapolis, MN; four great-grandchildren, Cale, Emmet and Blake Prosen, and Calvin Nelson. Memorial Mass: 12:00 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at St.Augustine's Catholic Church, 601 N.W. 2nd Ave, Cohasset, MN 55721, with a gathering one hour prior to the mass. Fr. Charlie Friebohle officiating. See online family guestbook at www.andrews-libbeyfh.com. Inurnment in Fort Ridgely State Park Cemetery, Fairfax, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Itasca Hospice. Arrangements by Andrews-Libbey Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 218-326-4000.