Gerald N Neilsen

Gerald "Jerry" N. Neilsen age 75 of Mankato, passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at Immanuel-St. Josephs Hospital in Mankato.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 2, 2007 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato with Rev. Paul Meierding officiating followed by military honors being provided by the American Legion Post 11. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. A private family burial will be held at Minneopa Cemetery.

Jerry was born August 6, 1931 in Stearns County and was adopted by Holger and Pearl Neilsen in 1934. He was united in marriage to Arlene Crane in 1951 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato. Jerry served in the US Army in 1951 and later returned home to work in the family business, Neil Neilsen, Inc. Greenhouse. Jerry continued his career in sales. After moving back to Mankato from Austin, MN, Jerry served as a groundskeeper for many Mankato businesses. Jerry belonged to Mankato Masonic Lodge No. 12 and was a member of the American Legion Post 11. He also served as a board member for the Minneopa Cemetery Association. Jerry enjoyed being outdoors, planting flowers, cooking, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Arlene Neilsen of Mankato; five children, Christine (Brian) Brocker of Pemberton, Karen (Doug) Lien of Dennison, Neil (Bonnie) Neilsen of Waseca, Lori (Jon) Beck of Edina, and Amy (Bill) Radichel of Apple Valley; eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.