Clifford A. 'Cliff' Nelson

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Nelson, Clifford A. "Cliff" age 93, of Anoka died on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Unity Medical Center in Fridley. Until the very end he maintained the qualities that made him beloved by all who knew him, especially his kindness, humor, compassion, humility, integrity, generosity and devotion to his family. He lived a remarkable life as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Cliff was born on February 26, 1930 in Willmar, MN to Pearl (Berglund) and Emil Nelson. He served in the US Army from January 1952 through December 1953. Cliff worked for the Minneapolis Star Tribune as a sales manager. On one of his trips to Thief River Falls, through her landlord, he met a schoolteacher named Joanne. Cliff and Joanne were married on June 17, 1956 in Grand Forks, ND. They moved to Anoka where Cliff attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota while working at the Anoka State Hospital. They soon became members of the Zion Lutheran Church community, actively serving, worshiping and raising their children there. From 1969 to his retirement in 1993, Cliff worked in Hennepin County Community Services. Trustworthy, wise and kind, he was highly respected by those with whom he worked. Cliff enjoyed active involvement in his community, serving on the Zion Church council, MTC advisory board, committee responsible for building Mercy Medical Center and many professional groups. He taught business courses for the U of MN MHA program. He also enjoyed his monthly poker and stock clubs, along with the Bridge club he and Joanne played in for 50 years. Cliff was an active "band parent," as well chaperoning many marching band, orchestra and concert band trips including Washington, DC and Quebec. When both he and Joanne had retired, a highlight each year was their February trip with best friends to CA, TX or FL. They also made many trips abroad together, as well as trips to visit family and friends all over the country. Cliff leaves behind a rich legacy of love and commitment which will be with his friends and family all our lives long. We are blessed to have had him in our lives as an example of how to treat others and live a life of integrity and devotion. He was preceded in death by his daughter Kristen, brothers Duane and Robert, and sister Carol. He is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years Joanne (Buan), son Jeff, daughter Kari Wangsness, son-in-law Erik Wangsness, grandchildren Hans, Kristen, Nels and Thea; brother Gary (Linda), sisters Jeannette Fauchald (Phil) and Sharon Bredeson (Miles), and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 11AM at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 4th Avenue, Anoka with visitation one hour prior. Memorials may be sent to Zion Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home Anoka 763-421-0220 thurston-lindberg.com

Published on April 30, 2023