Funeral service is at St. Timothy's Lutheran Church on Friday, April 26 at 10 am in Fremont, Nebraska. Burial will follow at Dalesburg Lutheran Cemetery in rural Vermillion, South Dakota. Visitation will beThursday, April 25 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont from 3pm to 8pm with the family present from 6pm to 8pm. Memorials are suggested to St. Timothy Lutheran Church 538 West 16th St. Fremont, NE. 68025.
Benard was born on the family farm in Dalesburg, South Dakota, rural Clay County, to Albert and Emedia (Norin) on Easter morning April 1, 1923. He attended Vermillion High School and agricultural school in Brookings, South Dakota. He was a life-long learner and achieved a Sociology degree from the University of South Dakota, a Master's in Divinity from Augustana Seminary, Rock Island, Illinois, culminating with a doctorate in Ministry from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.
He married Evelyn Harriet Thor on May 27, 1956, in Lake City, Minnesota. They met in Guthrie, Iowa, where Evelyn was a parish worker. Ben met her as a visiting seminary student with his school's choir. Ben and Evelyn spent their lives in ministry together; Ben, as Pastor, and Evelyn as a devoted church organist.
Ben was a Lutheran Minister serving the congregations of Trinity/Bristow, St. Andrew's/Lincoln, Grace/West Point, Nebraska, Christ/Des Moines and Union Creek & Immanuel/Akron, Iowa, and finishing his service in Fremont, Nebraska at First Lutheran and St. Timothy's Lutheran churches.
Ben is preceded in death by his parents, brother Raymond (Rosalie) Nelson, sisters Ruth (Kenneth) Hesla & Alda (Clair) Hesla and grandson Adam Oberbroeckling.
Ben is survived by his wife Evelyn Nelson, Lowell (Debbie) Nelson, Jim Nelson and Carol (Dan) Oberbroeckling; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and 13 nieces & nephews.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(4)
Richard Claussen
Neligh, NE Friday, April 26, 2019 Hi, I Heard today about Pastor Nelson Passing away on the West Point radio station, did not know where He was at, but put 2+2 together and it was our Pastor at Grace Lutheran West Point Ne. Lowell was in my class1975, What a fine man and family. Pastor came out to our farm after we moved back into the area talked to us and we all started going to Church I was confirmed and Baptized as was my dad sister and brother March 1971 by Pastor Nelson. He gave us His time Love and guided us to our relationship to God. Always appreciate that and Him helping our family. i was sad when He left for Des Moines to start a new congregation there. I am sure He touched many more lives for our Lord, now this Faithful servant can rest and hear Well done from God, God Bless you all Rick Julie ClaussenNaomi Hubbard
Des Moines, IA Sunday, April 21, 2019 I enjoyed our lively conversations when he was our pastor. His sermons always gave me meaningful food for thought. He was very gracious in assisting in my twins baptism but letting my father (who was a pastor) perform the baptism in Christ Lutheran Church. I remember him fondly and hope your good memories support you at this time.Rodger&Sally(Mowinkel)Hiebenthal
Herman, NE Wednesday, April 17, 2019 I remember Rev. from his time at Grace in West Point. I taught Sunday School while he was there. He married us April 17, 1971. Sorry for your loss. It is difficult to say goodbye until we meet again.Eileen Thornburg
Fremont, NE Tuesday, April 16, 2019 Dear Nelson Family,I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I especially enjoyed consulting Rev Nelson to plan a worship service for Luther College Lutherfest. What a role model for life and Christian devotion. May you share memories to help you smile.
Sincerely,
Eileen Thornburg
(Retired Midland Alumni Director)