Clarence "Swede" Nelson

Clarence "Swede" Nelson, 97, Moose Lake, died Thursday, May 13, 2010 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake.

He was born on September 27, 1912 in Superior, Wisconsin to Olaf and Freda Nelson. In June of 1918, Clarence's family moved to Moose Lake. He was one of the last survivors who remembered the 1918 Fire and was willing to share his experiences of the Fire. At a young age, Clarence was given a nickname of "Swede" which became his identity through life. Swede attended Moose Lake High School graduating in 1931. He was a proud member of the 1931 Basketball Team that was undefeated and made it into the Regional Tournament. After high school, Swede traveled extensively around the country.
After watching a plane land on frozen Moosehead Lake as a young child, Swede began his fascination with flying. He attended Dallas Aviation Mechanics School after high school. Swede flew across the country in the 1930's in an open cockpit airplane. He owned his own plane and eventually was one of the founding members of the Moose Lake Flying Club. Swede later shared this passion with his wife, Anna.

In 1937, Swede began his career with the Soo Line Railroad working as a telegrapher, depot agent and later as a traveling agent. During his 40 year career, he worked at various locations in East Central, Minnesota as well as Duluth. Swede's work with the Soo Line was interrupted for over four years to serve his country, entering the United States Army in 1941. He was a Veteran of WWII serving with the 8th Field Artillery Observation Battalion and was awarded a Bronze Star for heroic achievement in France in connection with military operations against the enemy. On May 11, 1946, Swede married Anna Walla in Duluth. They lived in Swatara, MN from 1946 until 1952 when they moved back to Moose Lake. After Swede's retirement in 1975, they lived in San Juan Capristano, California until 1988 when they returned to Moose Lake.


Swede was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Moose Lake American Legion, Moose Lake Flying Club, 8th Field Artillery Association, and the Moose Lake Historical Society. Besides his passion for flying, Swede loved spending time with his family, traveling, camping, golfing, hunting, and swimming. He also loved to walk and was well known for walking around town with his wife, Anna. Swede and Anna were honored by the Moose Lake community to be Grand Marshals of the Fourth of July Parade in 2005.

Swede was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Ethel Nelson, Evelyn Spencer, and Ann Clore.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Anna; 3 children: Jan Beggs of Madera, CA; Tom (Sherry) Nelson of Anchorage, AK; and Bob Nelson of Anchorage, AK; 6 Grandchildren: Kristin Robson, Kathy Nye, Kari Beggs, David Sanders, Anna Nelson, and Lisa Nelson; 2 Great Grandchildren: Tyler Robson and Nataly Nye; as well as Mustafa Akan, whom was once a foreign exchange student from Turkey and remained very close to Swede and his family; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Visitation was held from Noon until the 1:00 PM Memorial Service on Monday, May 24, 2010 in Hope Lutheran Church, Moose Lake. Pastor Jim Swanson was the officiate. A Flag Presentation Ceremony was performed by the Moose Lake American Legion Honor Guard. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date in Riverside Cemetery, Moose Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Moose Lake Historical Society or to the Alzheimer's Association, Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter, 4550 W. 77th St., Suite 200, Mpls., MN 55435-5007.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.