John Harold Nelson, age 58, a long time Minnesota Vikings and Gopher's fan died December 12, 2023, peacefully at home with his family surrounding him.

John Harold Nelson was born on October 4, 1965, in Albert Lea, MN. He was the oldest sibling of five. He graduated from University of Minnesota St Paul with a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked at numerous paper mills and met his beloved wife, Debra Kay Nelson in Wisconsin where they were married on May 14, 1994.

John was passionate about his job and continued in the paper mill industry for over 30 years. His last title was Superintendent of D.S. Smith Reading Papermill in Reading, Pennsylvania. John loved to fly fish in his spare time. He was an animal lover and loved nature.

He had a passion for history and went on many weekend trips with his wife, Debbie, to visit historical sites, such as The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, New Jersey.

In addition to his wife Debra, he is survived by his stepson, Matthew Lonkoski, Reading, PA; granddaughter, Summer Aniol, Tomahawk, WI; his parents, Harold and Jean Nelson, Rochester, MN; his sisters, Carrie (Jerry) Pike, Eyota, MN, Jennifer Ronnenberg, Lompoc, CA; one brother, Alec Nelson, Rochester, MN. is sister-in laws, Susan Hensel, Teresa Sackett, Tina Willcome, Corine Johnston, Bobbi Jean Mueller, and other family members.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Stephen Nelson and two aunts, Joan Behrens and Marlys Wampach. His grandparents, Harold and Eleanor Nelson and his granddaughter, Peyton Lonkoski.