Gerald "Gerry" Nelson

Gerald "Gerry" Nelson, 78 of Battle Lake, passed away Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Society.

Gerald Jerome Nelson was born on July 6, 1947 in Tracy, Minnesota to Christine (Groff) and C. Emil Nelson. He grew up on a farm outside of Barrett, MN, where he graduated from high school. Gerry attended North Dakota State School of Science, where he met his future wife. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at North Dakota State University. Gerry joined the Army as an officer in the Signal Corps. After serving in Viet Nam, he earned his MBA from Lewis University in Illinois.

Gerry married Barbara Wefel on August 30, 1969. He was employed by Dupont in Clinton, Iowa. This is where their two children, Jera and Chad, were born. Later he was employed by Stepan Chemical in Illinois. In 1979, Gerry returned to Minnesota to work at Proximity Controls in Fergus Falls. Gerry and Wally Stommes founded StoneL, a valve communications company. Gerry served in numerous management positions for 20 years, retiring in 2009 after being diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Gerry participated in Kiwanis, Tri-State Manufacturers Association, Pioneer Home Board. He was a swim team referee. He volunteered as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent and served on church council. He was active with Via De Cristo and renewal meetings.

Gerry and Barb moved to West Battle Lake in 2000. At First Lutheran, Gerry served on church council, in Men’s Fellowship, and on the AV team. He was active in the Battle Lake American Legion. He enjoyed fishing and golfing and time on the lake with his family. He was an avid fan of the Vikings, Twins, and NDSU, as well as being his kids and grandkids’ biggest cheerleader.

Family was important to Gerry. He cherished his wife and children. He was delighted to have a son-in-law, Carl, and daughter-in-law, Boriana, join the family. His grandsons, Caleb and Knox, were the joy of his life.

Gerry died peacefully from complications of CLL on June 1, 2026 with family by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Don, Richard, and Merlyn. He was survived by Barb, his wife of over 56 years; daughter, Jera, and her husband Carl Cunningham; son, Chad, and his wife Boriana Petkov; and grandsons, Caleb and Gabriel Knox Cunningham; and sister, Evelyn Dean. Gerry is now with Jesus and doesn’t have to imagine what heaven is like because he is Home.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake with Pastor Lynn Melchior officiating.

A Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Saturday, June 6 at the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake, with a Time of Sharing at 6:30 PM. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment at First Lutheran Cemetery in Battle Lake.

Funeral arrangements entrusted with the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake.