Norris J. Nelson

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Nelson, Norris J. age 91 of St. Louis Park, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 5, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Albert and Esther Nelson; 5 brothers, Lowry, Milton, Eugene, Rodney and Curtis; 6 sisters, Mildred Laverne, Eloise, Myrtle, Marjorie, and Beverly. Norris is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ruth; children, Shelly (Paul) Zakariasen, Brad (Diane) Nelson, Gail (Chip) Lyon; grandchildren, Kari, Luke Zakariasen, Nathan, Nicholas Nelson, Leah, Rachel Lyon; many special nieces, nephews, other family and many friends. Norris was born on February 10, 1925 in Albert City, IA. Norris served with the U.S. Navy during WW II. He attended the U of M and Dunwoody where he graduated in Engineering Drafting. Norris worked as a drafter and taught at Dunwoody. Norris and two other men founded NTI School of CAD Technology in 1957. Its location was in downtown Minneapolis where the IDS Tower stands. In June of 1963, NTI moved to a larger facility in St. Louis Park where it resided for twenty years. Sensing a need for a facility where it could expand and meet the demands of changing technology, NTI moved to a new facility in Eden Prairie July of 1983. Mr. Nelson served as team leader for the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) from 1974 to 1990. He has held several offices in the Minnesota State Association of Private Career Schools in addition to serving on the Governor's Advisory Board for vocational technical schools in the early 1970's. In October 2000, Mr. Nelson was awarded the Distinguished Career Award at the Annual Conference of the Career College Association (CCA) for service to a national association. In addition, Norris served on the Board of Directors of Back To The Bible. The Nelson's were a musical family featuring any number of vocal solos, duets, trios, and the Nelson Brothers Quartet. They sang at churches, made 2 gospel albums and appeared on radio and TV. Norris learned at an early age to love music using his God-given talent and rich baritone voice to serve his Lord and minister to many people his entire life. Norris served his local church teaching and on various boards. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Park Community Church, Back to the Bible, and Joya's Orphanage in India. Interment Borgholm Cemetery, Bock, MN. Funeral service 11 AM Monday, April 11 with visitation 1 hour prior to service at Park Community Church (Park Free Church), 6805 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park. Visitation 5-7 PM Sunday at: Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100

Published on April 10, 2016