Vernon LeRoy Nelson "LeRoy" or "Roy", age 82, died April 13, 2024, at Mercy Hospital. Born Feb.18, 1942 to Arthur and Gladys (Barrigar) Nelson, he grew up on a farm in Bruno, MN with his parents; brother, David; and sisters, Bonnie and Linda.  He graduated from high school in Askov, MN, and worked in the Twin Cities until joining the Army in 1962, where he served in France and Germany.  Once home in March of 1965, he met Ginger Bresin at a dance, and they were married Nov. 27, 1965.  They were blessed with two children, Amy and Jay.

LeRoy worked in construction and as a warehouse manager.  He enjoyed working hard, family reunions, making witty remarks, camping, having a drink with friends, and relaxing at his Bruno cabin. LeRoy made lifetime friends in every stage of his life.

LeRoy had a special relationship with his Grandma Nelson and visited her faithfully until she died.

LeRoy dearly loved his own grandchildren: Blake (Anna) Olson, Jacob (Nicole) Nelson, Jared Nelson, and Kaeley Nelson and his great grandchildren: Grayson, Odin, Kensley, and Stella and teased them all.  He also had four Hakimi children who called him Grandpa.

He is predeceased by his parents; brother, David; and sister, Linda (Gus) Dahlberg; brother-in-law, Bob Tietz; nephew, Jason Chester; stepmother, Joy Nelson; and stepbrother, Coley Hanes.

He is survived by his wife, Ginger; daughter, Dr. Amy Nelson; son, Jay (Carrie) Nelson; grandchildren; great grandchildren; sister, Bonnie Tietz; nephews, Daren Nelson, Dana (Chris) Nelson, Scott (Kate) Tietz; nieces, Shelly Lind and Lisa (Kevin) Wormuth; stepbrothers, Doug and Brian Hanes; stepsisters, Colleen MacDonald and Donna Tourville; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial service will be on April 27, 2024, at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral home, 13817 Jay St. NW, Andover, MN. Visitation at 9:30 a.m., service at 10:30 a.m., lunch following. Inurnment will be in Bruno at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, love your family and laugh with them.