Duane "Buzz" C. Nelson

Nelson, Duane C. “Buzz”

Age 86 of Plymouth, MN died peacefully at home on August 7 with his wife at his side after a ten year fight with MDS (bone marrow cancer). Loving husband for 54 years to Janice (Richardson). Proud father to Julie Maryniak (Lyle), Eric (Kirsten), and loving grandfather to Nick Maryniak, Zac Nelson and Karina Nelson. Buzz is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and other family members.

Preceded in death by his parents, Obed and Emma (Dahlstrom) Nelson, brothers, Rodney, Robert, Burton, Harley and sisters Bernice “Bea” (Coffman) and Joyce (Neitzel).

Graduate of Milaca High School, class of 1951 and the University of Minnesota School of Pharmacy, class of 1955.  After graduating from college, Buzz served in the Air Force in France. After the Air Force, Buzz worked as a pharmacist at North Memorial Medical Center for 32 years.

Buzz was an Eagle Scout, achieving the Order of the Arrow and was a leader for the Boy Scout troop at Spirit of Hope for several years organizing and going on monthly camp-outs.

Youth hockey supporter, including skating rink maintenance on the pond next to their house.

Enthusiastic home repair resource for his children - even if it meant losing a tooth to a belt sander.

Buzz was a voracious reader and loved to travel with Jan. He also enjoyed hunting at ‘the Deershack’ which was purchased with classmates from Milaca, MN where he grew up. He also enjoyed sailing on Lake Minnetonka on boats owned with friends Glenn and Lucy Einess, and fishing - particularly the 53 yearly trips with the Old Glenmore Sipping and Fishing Society.

Buzz was an active member of Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church in Golden Valley and volunteered often for Meals on Wheels and other of the church’s charitable activities. He was a champion at running the dishwasher at church and Simpson Shelter.

Special thank you to the talented and caring professionals from North Memorial Hospice, led by team leader, Lou.

Visitation Friday (8/23), 5-8 PM at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37 ^th Ave. No.  Funeral service Saturday (8/24), 11 AM with visitation starting at 10 AM at Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church, 7600 Harold Avenue, Golden Valley.  Memorials preferred to Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church.