Samuel John Nelson

Samuel John Nelson, age 78, of Faribault, MN, formerly of Freeborn, MN, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at District One Hospital in Faribault.

Sam was born February 27, 1947, in Cherokee, Iowa to Garland and Nellie Nelson. He graduated from Fulda High School in 1965 and went on to attend Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD where he received his bachelor’s degree in education. He married his high school sweetheart, best friend and love of his life, Ramona (Kunerth), on June 14, 1969. They were married for 52 years before she passed away in July 2021. They were blessed with five children, 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

After they were married, Sam and Ramona moved to Freeborn, MN where they raised their family and Sam spent the majority of his career as a teacher. He taught for Freeborn, Alden-Conger Freeborn, and United South Central, finishing his career at Fountain Hills High School in Fountain Hills, AZ. In addition to teaching, he coached golf, boys’ basketball and was an assistant football coach. He also managed Oakview Golf Course in Freeborn for close to 30 years.

Through his life Sam most loved spending time with his friends and family, watching sports and playing golf. He was a devoted husband and father who valued hard work and willingly did what was needed to provide for his family. He was a man of simple faith, relying on God for everything. He was loved by many and will be remembered for his big smile, competitive spirit and love for people.

Sam is survived by his five children, Bill (Jill) Nelson of Burnsville, Mindy (Dave) Heine of Eden Prairie, Joe Nelson of Albert Lea, Misty (John) Zacharias of Medford, Lisa (Mark) Schroeder of Ham Lake, 11 grandchildren, Zachary, Nicholas, and Alice Nelson, Breanne, Megan and Nathan Heine, Justine (Nelson) Boettcher, Max and Samantha Schroeder, August and Amelia Zacharias, and one great-grandchild, Dane Boettcher. Siblings Jim (Nanc) Nelson of Cherokee, IA and Nancy (Duane) Medick of Ankeny, IA and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ramona Nelson, and his parents, Garland and Nellie Nelson.

Sam spent the last six years of his life at New Perspectives Senior Living in Faribault. We are grateful for the loving care he received there.

Visitation will be held on June 13 at Albert Lea Vineyard Church (18358 US-69, Albert Lea) from 5 PM to 7 PM and for one hour prior to service on Saturday. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, June 14 at the albert Lea Vinyard Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation, a cause close to the family, www.crhf.org/donations.