Marvin James Nelson

Marv Nelson, 76, of Lakeland passed away on March 29, 2026 at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Marv was born on August 10, 1949 in Stillwater, Minnesota to Lawrence and Izola Nelson. He grew up on a small farm in Lakeland as the middle of three children. On the farm, Marv learned the value of hard work, discipline, and responsibility - traits that followed him through the rest of his life. He graduated from Stillwater High School in 1967 and was drafted into military service two years later.

Marv was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served in the Army from July 1969 until April 1971. He assumed the role of combat medic - attaining the rank of Specialist 4 - where he risked his own life to save others under the most dangerous and difficult conditions. Marv received two Bronze Stars recognizing his willingness to expose himself to enemy fire to help wounded soldiers. He also received a Purple Heart in 1970 in recognition of wounds he sustained in the line of duty and an Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Vietnam.

In 1970, Marv married Cathy Rockwell and several years later they welcomed their son, Michael. Though the marriage eventually ended, the two remained friends as they raised their son and welcomed a grandchild.

After the war, Marv worked as a carpenter and home builder. Along with his brother, he operated a construction business and together they built hundreds of homes throughout the east metro and St. Croix Valley. He retired from construction after a devastating fall on a work site in 2003.

Marv was tough as nails, stoic, honest and hard working. The selflessness he demonstrated in service was part of his civilian life as well. He was always willing to help others with projects big and small. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, preferring one-on-one conversations to large crowds. He was an avid fisherman and loved to spend long days on a quiet lake in Canada or at the cabin he owned for many years on Balsam Lake.

Though he rarely spoke of the things he experienced in combat, he was a proud veteran and enjoyed meeting other vets and teasing those who had worn anything other than an Army uniform.

Marv was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marlys Lucker. He is survived by his son, Mike (Molly) Nelson and granddaughter, Kylie; his brother Myron (Joan) Nelson, and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Service Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 2:00 P.M. at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater with visitation one hour prior to the service. A burial service with military honors will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery in Lakeland.