Carroll 'Andy' Nelson

Andy Nelson completed his baptismal journey and returned through death to God's heavenly embrace on January 30, 2026.  He was 94 years of age.  Carroll Andrew Joel Nelson was born December 13, 1931 to Joel N. H. and Emma I. Nelson, the seventh of eleven children.  He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture and committed his life to farming.  Very proud of his registered Holstein herd, he continued his study of animal nutrition and agricultural bookkeeping practices throughout his career.

Andy was a life-long member of Beckville Lutheran Church and served that congregation in many ways including choir, church council, worship assistant, Sunday School teacher, financial secretary and usher.  He loved fishing, was a member of a bowling team and a devoted Minnesota Vikings football fan, but his primary hobby in later years was benevolent giving.  He selected his recipients carefully and gave generously.

Single most of his life, Andy was introduced to Bernice (Bea) Wilhelm in San Francisco through his sister.  They were united in marriage on February 28, 1998 and for many years spent summers on the farm and winters in the San Francisco Bay Area, travelling extensively through California, Hawaii and Mexico.

Bea and Andy were active members of the DFL party and generous volunteers with Habitat for Humanity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Emma Nelson, his brother Everett (Carol) Nelson, his sisters Elsie Nelson, Elaine (Norman) Anderson, Jeannette (Herb) Hartig, Lenore (Cletus) Swanick, and Ruth (Miles) Johnson.  He is survived by his wife Bernice, sisters Betty (Jerome) Urdahl, Jone (Wayne) Classon, Margaret Conard, and brother Les (Margaret) Nelson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was fond of saying, “I never had any children but I have the best nieces and nephews in the world!”  He will be interred at Beckville Lutheran Cemetery.  Services will be announced at a later date.