A memorial service for Lynn Nelson, 66, of Albert Lea, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 27, 2014 at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church in rural Albert Lea.   Rev. Matt Griggs will officiate.  Interment will be at the Central Freeborn Lutheran Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com
Lynn died Friday afternoon, February 21, 2014 while moving snow on the farm.
Lynn Allen Nelson was born on June 19, 1947, to Wayne E. and Mabel (Keen) Nelson in Ft. Dodge, IA.  He grew up on the family farm in Goldfield, IA, and was baptized and confirmed at Ullensvang Lutheran in Thor, IA.  Lynn graduated from Goldfield High School in 1965 and served in the National Guard.  He attended Iowa State University as an animal science major, later farrier’s college in AZ, and then completed graphic design at Mankato State University.  On July 9, 1977, Lynn was united in marriage to Gale Jolene Jenson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.
Lynn farmed in Iowa, Missouri, and Minnesota.  He was blessed with a natural ability to work with all species of livestock.  Lynn was very involved in the horse industry by shoeing, training, showing, and judging horses.  He coached national 4-H youth horse judging teams.  His community service included 4-H key leader, county livestock committee member, county cattleman’s association, and serving as director on the Freeborn County Fair board.  As a youth, Lynn showed registered Angus cattle and later diversified into horses, hogs, and sheep.  For the last two decades, he and Gale owned Top Notch Stock Farm, breeding registered Shorthorn cattle.  Lynn served as a MN state director and currently was a national director for the American Shorthorn Association.
Lynn had artistic ability; he enjoyed drawing, painting, and acting in ACT theatre.  He also enjoyed gardening and raising chickens for farm fresh eggs.  Lynn lived his faith, loved his family, and enjoyed the fellowship of others.  His smile was infectious and he was known to share a joke to brighten the day. Lynn served on church council, enjoyed singing in the church choir, and ushering. His newest role as “Grandpa” was now the highlight of his life.
Survivors include his wife, Gale; son, Jeffrey Ryon Nelson; daughter-in-law, Melissa; grandchildren Allie Rae, Josie Faith and a new arrival due this spring, all of New Ulm, MN; parents-in-law, Phil & Nita Jenson, Albert Lea; sister and brother-in-law, Trudy & Darvin Moberg, SD; sister-in-law, Bonnie Nelson, IA; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Lynn was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and brother, Phil.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Youth for Christ or the National Shorthorn Foundation.