Douglas Lyle Nelson

Born on November 18, 1937, in Erskine, Minnesota, Doug enjoyed growing up on a farm in northern Minnesota. He moved to South St. Paul in his early teens and graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1955.

Doug married the love of his life, Connie Carry, in July 1958. Doug and Connie moved to Cottage Grove in 1961 where they lived most of their lives raising their daughters and enjoying many friendships.

Doug worked as a cattle salesman at Central Livestock Association in the South St. Paul Stockyards for 50 years, retiring in 2002. Upon retiring Doug and Connie went on an adventure to California which lasted 12 years. He enjoyed playing golf almost every day and spending time with family and new friends.

Doug’s faith was very important to him and was a faithful worshiper on Sunday mornings. He was an active member in the Lutheran church for many years and enjoyed being head usher, participating in men’s groups and bible studies. His participation in church fellowship resulted in many life-long friendships.

Preceded in death by his mother, Irene (Swenson) Leitch; his father, Bennie Hagen; stepfather, Kenor Nelson; and his brother, Berdeen Nelson.

Survived by his wife, Constance Nelson; daughters, Jodell (Mark) Potter and Linda (Jesse) Dowd; grandchildren, Kristen (Teddy) Larson, Kathryn (Nick) Bannon, Lauren Craner, Allison Potter, and Sam Wilson; great-grandchildren, Nathan and Cameron Larson, Christian and Elijah Bannon, and Ian and Emma Craner, as well as many loving relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 7000 Hinton Avenue South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016. A visitation will precede the funeral at 10:00 a.m.