Larry L. Nelson

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Nelson, Larry L. A celebration of life for popular Minnesota PGA golf professional, Larry Nelson, 49, will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday at Westwood Community Church, 3121 Westwood Dr., Excelsior; westwoodcc.org., a visitation time will begin at 2:00 PM. Nelson died Monday at his home in Excelsior after a two-year battle with brain cancer. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Lisa; his 2 children, Natalie Susan & Spencer Blake; his father, Gordon L. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy M. He became a PGA golf professional in 1990. He was a teaching pro at Braemer Golf Course in Edina the past 10 years and at the former Rich Acres the preceeding 9 years. He was especially proud of the junior and adapted programs he started at Rich Acres and brought to Braemar, where both programs continue to thrive and dozens of Larry's students became PGA professionals themselves, always putting players at ease with his folksy charm and the love of a good story. Larry always said "golf makes good people, and your work is just an extension of the passion you have for life." Nelson was loathe to put his battle with cancer into sports terms. "He didn't want anyone to say that he "lost" the battle with cancer." "He feels he's the victor in this battle, that he's gone to a better place." In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Nelson Family Fund, c/o Braemar Golf Course, 6364 John Harris Drive, Edina, MN 55439. albinchapel.com Albin Chapel 952-914-9410

Published on January 13, 2009