First Rate Care

Robert (Bob) Nelson

Robert (Bob) Nelson was born February 18, 1929 to Nels and Ida (Morvig) Nelson on the farm homesteaded by his grandfather in 1879. He attended Roadside District 70 School and graduated from Fertile High School in 1947. Due to his father's illness, he had to take over the running of the farm. He married Shirley Wigesland in Twin Valley in 1960. They have two sons: Brian, wife Dani, and 3 daughters Kylie, Ellie, and Jacey; Ron, wife Becky, two sons Ross (Naomi) and Reed. He farmed with his brother 1957-1990.

In 1965 Bob was named Polk County's Outstanding Young Farmer. In 1966 he was East Polk County's representative for King Agassiz at the Red River Valley Winter Shows. In 1988 he and Shirley were awarded the Farmer Homemaker Award at the Red River Valley Winter Shows.

Bob was a member of the Polk County Fair Board for 54 years. In 1952 he started working with the 4-H, then General Livestock Superintendent, Vice President, and President. He was named Polk County Fairperson of the year at the Minnesota Federation of Fairs Convention in the Cities in 2000. He was inducted into the Minnesota 4-H Hall of Fame at the State Fair Centennial Hall he was Fertile's co-Citizen of the Year. He was also awarded Friend of 4-H in 2002.

Bob has many interests. He was an excellent skier and was co-founder of the Fertile Ski Area. The high light was skiing Kellog Idaho Mountain Ski Resort with sons Brian and Ron. He was a member of the Wild Rice Electric Coop Board for many years and served as president of the Square Butte Electric Board in Grand Forks. He has been a member of the Fertile Lions and the Conservation Club, and served as a volunteer at the Environmental Learning Center.

He is a life-long member of Concordia Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir and served as trustee and president. He enjoys football and especially enjoys games coached by son Brian. He has hunted with family and friends for over 50 years. His latest interest was golf. After retiring from the Fair Board he was honored to have the Board name a building after him on the fair grounds.

Always mindful of his blessings he has always tried to serve and give back to the community and people he loved.