The Funeral Service for Edward A. Nelson will be at 11:00AM on Friday, March 16, 2012 at Bethany United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Wesley J. Gabel officiating.  A visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 8:00PM on Thursday, March 15, 2012 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the funeral on Friday at the church.

Edward Arthur Nelson, age 77 of Rochester, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2012 at Meadow Lakes Senior Living.

He was born on February 13, 1935 in Rochester, where he attended local schools.  On November 24, 1956, he married Fern Kay Harvey.  Mrs. Nelson passed away on December 18, 2000.

Ed worked as a chrome plater for IBM and was an usher at the Mayo Civic Center for over 50 years.  He also took tickets for hockey games at the Rochester Recreational Center and at John Marshall High School for football.

He is survived by 4 children; Jeff (Barb) Nelson of Clearwater, MN, Craig (Krisanne) Nelson of Rochester, Mike Nelson of Rochester, Kim (Dave) Hansen of Oak Grove, MN; one sister, Sandy (Dave) Colett of Rochester, a nephew, Jerry (Nancy) Nelson of Rochester, and eight grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife Fern.

Ed enjoyed listening to country music and traveling to Branson, Missouri.  He was an avid hockey and NASCAR fan.  He enjoyed dancing and working.

Memorials are suggested to Paws and Claws, Vasculitis Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.  On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.