Jarl H. Nelson—-Rochester

Jarl Nelson, 74, of Rochester, was called to heaven Tuesday, February 7 ^th , 2012, at his home surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer.

Jarl was born August 19 ^th , 1937 to Helen Helgeson and John Nelson in Kalmar Township.  He attended Byron High School.  Jarl married Rita Marie Melvin August 30 ^th , 1958.  He held careers in automotive service industry and served as a voluntary deputy for the Olmsted County Sheriff's department.  He was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

His hobbies include spending time with his family, horseback riding, snowmobiling, camping, and motorcycle riding.  He was a member of the Southern Minnesota Sportsman's Club and enjoyed many hours of time spent there with his grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Rita of 53 years; children, Diane (Steven) Foss, Rochester, David (Dawn) Nelson, Chatfield, and Dawn Benson, Farmington; Six grandchildren, Corey (Natasha) and Anthony Foss, Zach and Mandy Nelson, Brandon and Allie Rose Benson; one brother, Virgil Nelson, Rochester, two sisters, Twila Goodman, Byron, and LaVonne Ermloff, Louisiana.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Darlene Strain and Shirley Ann Nelson.

A visitation will be held Thursday evening, February 9th at Holy Spirit Catholic Church from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. as well as one hour prior to the funeral service.  A funeral Mass to celebrate Jarl's life will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Rochester with Rev. Donald J. Schmitz officiating.  The burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com