Charles "Chuck" Nelson, 68, Owatonna
Charles “Chuck” Edward Nelson, 68, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, after a short yet courageous battle with cancer. Chuck was born on May 19, 1958, in Little Falls, to parents Richard and JoAnn Nelson, the fourth of six children. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1976. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in agribusiness from the University of Minnesota, Waseca, in 1980.
Chuck built a successful career as a salesperson for 40+ years at Nelson Equipment, John Deere, and Walser. Chuck’s charismatic nature, quick wit, and knowledge helped him build genuine, lasting connections with clients and colleagues, and he became a familiar face wherever he went. While he took pride in his career, his true joy belonged to his family and friends.
In the spring of 1985, Chuck met the love of his life, Kimberly. They were united in marriage on Aug. 16, 1986, at Associated Church in Owatonna, and Chuck did not waste any time; their son Nathan was born nine months later, in May 1987. They were blessed with 40 beautiful years together, or as Chuck would say, we have been annoying each other for 40 beautiful years, ha-ha!” Chuck’s sense of humor was second to none. He was always ready with a joke or a witty phrase. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. Everywhere we went, he knew someone. Both professional and personal. He treasured quality time up at the lake. He spent his last summer on Blackduck Lake with his wife. What a special thing to be right on the water, his sacred place. He loved watching the loons, taking the boat out for a sunset cruise, and fishing off the dock or out on the lake, but he loved most having his family there too, experiencing it together. We will miss his dedication to family, his love for Westerns, his playful nature, and most of all his love for people and life.
Chuck is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Kim Nelson, of Owatonna; son, Nathan (Jillian) Nelson, of Owatonna; siblings: Gregory Nelson of Owatonna; Mark (Carol) Nelson of Florence, Ariz.; Allan (Jolene) Nelson of Owatonna; Deborah (Leonard) Marti of Sahuarita, Ariz.; and Rebecca (Daniel) Diesler of Mukwonago, Wis.; along with many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and JoAnn Nelson.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, with visitation beginning one hour before the service. Interment will be in the St. John's Cemetery in Owatonna.
Please make contributions in Chuck's memory in place of flowers to the American Cancer Society.
Our family extends our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the medical team at Saint Mary's Hospital. We would also like to thank his primary P.A. at Mayo Clinic. Words cannot describe how thankful we are for the care you provided Chuck and for the dignity, respect, and compassion you showed our family. Thank you for the kindness you showed us in such a difficult time. We are so blessed to be surrounded by so much love from our family and friends, and we thank everyone for offering their support and kind words. We also thank Michaelson Funeral Home, St. John Lutheran Church, Pastor Dave, and St. John’s Cemetery for the compassionate care shown to Chuck and our family.