Gary Brian Nelson, age 69, of East Bethel died February 10, 2021 at his home in East Bethel. A private family memorial service will be held 6:00 P.M. Monday, February 15 at Strike Life Tributes in ISANTI with a private family visitation 5:00-6:00 PM. Pastor Emily Martin of Cambridge Lutheran Church will officiate the funeral service. The service will be livestreamed and a link to watch the livestream will be posted below. Memorials are suggested. Flower arrangements handled by Cambridge Floral at (763)689-2040. www.cambridgefloral.net. Isanti VFW to provide color guard and memorial honors.
Click here for the livestream service
Gary Brian Nelson was born in Virginia, MN on April 9th, 1951. He was born to the late Edwin Martin Nelson and the late June Ann Nelson (Mealey). After high school, Gary joined the U.S. Army in 1968, served as a helicopter mechanic in the Vietnam War. He finished his duty in 1971 and returned home. Settling in St. Paul, MN, he met Gayle Ann Peterson in 1973. The couple married in 1974. They raised 4 children: Mitchell, Betsy, Marshall, and Bonny. They moved to East Bethel, MN in 1978 and still call it home today. Gary was a grandpa to 13 amazing kids: Ben, Charlie, Eleanor, Howard, Tommy, Rachel, Lacey, Evelyn, Annella, Violet, Henry, William and the late April Mae Roed. He will be remembered to his family as a man who dedicated his life to spending time with them. He will be remembered in his community as a great, honest man who coached and mentored many kids who are adults now, but still think of him as Coach Gary. His legacy will not be forgotten, as he has planted a great foundation for the future for his wife, family and his community whom he cherished deeply. In his later years, he had a calling to be at as many of his grandchildren’s hockey, baseball or soccer games, dance recitals, band concerts or anything that gave him an excuse to be around his loved ones. He and his wife Gayle made many memories traveling around the country to visit friends and family.
Gary Brian Nelson passed away on Wednesday, February 10th, 2021 at his home in East Bethel, MN.
Oh Marshall and Kaye , Howard, Violet , Gayle and all the rest , I’m so sorry ! Praying for you
I couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor then Gary. I have so many memories of Gardog riding around on his mower always with a smile on his face. Whenever I would bike or drive by he was always there waving. I have a specific memory of him coming over and showing me how to play the drums. I just remember thinking how cool it was that he could tap the drum so fast. There isn’t a time that Gary and the rest of the Nelson family hasnt been around in my life. Gary will always be one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of knowing. Kissel street and everyone else will miss you!
Gary, such a good person, fun loving and kind. You and Gayle raised four wonderful children and were blessed with many grandchildren. A huge loss for all. My sincere condolences to the Nelson family..
Much love, Debbie Monson Connor
So very sorry to the whole Nelson family, Gary will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
some of my fondest memories are of the neighborhood golf Tournaments that Gary and Gayle
would organize, with a pot luck dinner afterwards in the Nelson garage.
and the weekend bon fires at the Nelsons. So many fond memories with Gary Nelson & Family
I’m so very sorry Gayle and family, my heart goes out to all of you. I haven’t seen him in a few years, but I have so many great memories of Gary. Always a smile, never raised his voice, just a kind hearted ,sweet and gentle man. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers….
Love you all, Jodi DeVries
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Marshall, Kaye, Howie, Violet and the rest of the family… you are all in our prayers
Gayle and family, The hugs, the smiles and the focus he shared when in a conversation are the sweet memories we will always have. He really was special and I am so happy my daughter has a Nelson family. Howard and Violet and all the cousins are so fortunate to have a part of Gary inside them. I know he is hugging the other departed saints right now. Peace and Love, Gena Doyscher
A wonderful tribute for a wonderful man, husband, father & grandfather plus friend & coach!
Gary Nelson family-our thoughts are with you these bittersweet days of missing him.
Be protected by his memories & continue to live your lives as Gary did with a smile on your faces & in your hearts!