Christopher S. Nelson

WELCOME - With deep love and immense sorrow, we announce the passing of Christopher Stanley Nelson - a loving spouse, proud father, cherished Grampy, Navy Veteran, and friend to all. Chris passed away on June 1, 2025, at age 57, from an unexpected heart attack. May we find comfort in the words, ‘It is well with my soul.’

Born on June 17, 1967, in Trimont, MN, Chris was raised in Welcome, MN, and graduated from Welcome High School in 1985. He was the son of Stanley and Lois Nelson. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. He joined the Navy in 1985, completing his basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes, serving as an airplane mechanic on the USS Nimitz (CVN-68). He began his career with Northern Natural Gas/Enron in 1991. He later worked as a maintenance machinist for a great friend at Rosemount Car Wash. After a move ‘back home’, he continued his career as a maintenance machinist at Tru Shine Truck Wash.

On December 28, 1985, Chris married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Christine (Burmeister) Nelson. They loved having fun together. Summers were spent at the cabin on Fox Lake, winters in their Ice Castle, countless Ranger rides and Saturday matinees at the legion.

Chris had many hobbies: anything that went fast, gun collecting, Sasquatch; collector cars, boats and snowmobiles, and watching Svengoolie.

He was a proud father to Desirae (Kevin) Zarling and Tyler Nelson. He was an even prouder Grampy to Maya and Emmett. His family was his entire world. He showed his love through thoughtful gifts, always embracing any interest his grandchildren had; daily phone calls to check-in, and always saying “I love you.”

Chris is preceded in death by his father, Stanley Nelson. He is survived by his spouse Christine; his kids, son-in-law, and grandkids; his mother, Lois Nelson; his sister, Teresa (Bob) Atzenhoefer; aunts, uncles; his Burmeister in-laws, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Friends and family are invited to gather for one last "Saturday Matinee" at the Welcome Legion to give Chris the send-off of a life well-lived. Bring stories and memories of Chris to the Welcome Legion on June 21st from 12:30 - 4:00 PM. 

Knowing Chris, he’d want you to sit down, grab a beer, relax, and laugh a little. Friends became his family. He enjoyed the simple things in life. The Nelson Family would like to express a special thanks to the Welcome Fire Department and Sherburn Ambulance teams for their tireless work in their life-saving attempts. Their efforts will be remembered and appreciated forever; their compassion and dedication will never be forgotten.