Clifford M. Nelson

Clifford M. Nelson, 87, of Willmar, died Monday, March 30 at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. His memorial service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, May 30 at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. Burial will be at Clover Leaf Cemetery in Willmar.

Clifford Nelson was born September 17, 1938, in Willmar to Clarence S. and Mabel S. (Akre) Nelson, the second of seven children. He was raised and educated in Willmar, graduating in 1956.

Cliff served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960 as a Nuclear Weapons Mechanical Specialist, while stationed in California, Colorado, Missouri, Guam, and Oklahoma. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Willmar.

He held various jobs throughout his life and spent 26½ years at the Willmar Regional Treatment Center, where he began as a janitor and retired as Building Services Supervisor. As a youth, he was recognized as an outstanding newspaper carrier for three consecutive years.

On August 1, 1964, he married Bonita J. Haverly. They later divorced. Cliff was awarded custody of his four sons in 1979 and raised them in Willmar.

He enjoyed fishing, camping, and woodworking, creating furniture, toys, and other handcrafted items.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Marian, Dorothy, and David. He is survived by his sons, Mark (April) of Altus, OK, Douglas, David, and Chad of Willmar; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings: Lois, Robert (Nancy), and Shirley.

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