Jay D. Nelson

JAY DELANE NELSON, age 59 of Waseca died on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at his home.

Born on June 30, 1961 in Waseca, Minnesota, he was the son of Jerome and Diane (Madigan) Nelson. He graduated from Waseca High School in 1979 and went on to earn an Airframe and Power Plant License. Jay married Jolene Jenson on April 3, 1982 in Waseca. He served in the US Air Force from 1982 until his honorable discharge in 1990.

Jay loved dogs and rock and roll music. His philosophy was “If it’s too loud, you’re too old.” He also had a colorful way of making lessons stick in your head.

Jay loved his family. Nothing made him more proud than his oldest daughter having his two grandchildren and his youngest daughter excelling in the US Navy. He loved the yearly trip to the Dells and starting a growing family tradition. Jay was known for his sense of humor and was a MN Vikings and Mavericks Hockey fan. He always had an open-door policy for anyone who needed a place to be during the holidays or any child that needed a place to call home.

He is survived by wife, Jolene of Waseca; two daughters, April (Eric) Tesch of Oshkosh, WI and Amber (Mike) Parker of Oshkosh, WI; and two grandchildren, Keira and Nelson Tesch. He is also survived by his father, Jerome Nelson of Waseca; and brothers, Jef Nelson of Carrollton, TX, Jerit (Stephanie) Nelson of Waseca, and Joseph (Kristi) Nelson of Waseca. He was preceded in death by his mother.

Private family services will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Boat House (406 9th St. NE) in Waseca on Friday, April 23, 2021 beginning at 4:00 PM.