Edward Olaf Nelson

Edward O Nelson, age 86 of Grand Forks, ND passed away on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Edward O. Nelson was born October 3, 1924 in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin the son of John and Anna Nelson. He graduated from Gibralter High School. He served in army in World War II in both Europe and Asia. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After his military service he graduated from Luther College with a degree in Mathematics. He earned his Masters Degree and PhD in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota in 1959. In 1956 he married Barbara (Bobbe) Gretter. He was a member of the Mathematics Department at UND for over 35 years, retiring in 1993. Ed was fond of gardening, fishing/hunting and spending time with his family. Playing cribbage and working crossword puzzles were favorite pastimes. He enjoyed his many travels including his yearly trips to the Door Peninsula of Wisconsin. Survivors include daughters: Julie (Rik) Getty of Boulder, Colorado, Gail Nelson of Northfield, Minnesota and Teresa (Doug) Bearrood of Woodbury, Minnesota, and grandchildren Lauren Getty, Thomas and Anna Bearrood. He is also survived by his brother Gordon Nelson of Ellison Bay, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his wife Bobbe Nelson and siblings Robert Nelson and Agnes (Nelson) Smith. Visitation: will be Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, ND. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held in late December in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin. Memorials: to the North Dakota Museum of Art preferred.