Keith Nelson

Keith C. Nelson, age 63, of Grantsburg, passed away Thursday morning, July 17, 2014. He was born in Stratford, Connecticut, on February 5, 1951, a son of the late Charles G. and Rosalie (Milas) Nelson, Jr. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Univ. of Central Missouri. Keith served in the U.S. Army from July 8, 1971 to July 2, 1974, primarily assigned to the 249th Engineering Battalion in Germany. On October 26, 1985, Keith married Cathy Maurer in Tryon, North Carolina. He was employed over 30 years as Law Enforcement Ranger with the National Park Service, retiring in 2008. He was assigned to Badlands National Park in South Dakota, Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida, Katmai National Park & Preserve in Alaska, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. He also enjoyed ice fishing, reading, and solving crossword puzzles. Keith is survived by his wife, Cathy; two brothers and their wives: Kevin & Debbie Nelson and Craig & Ginny Nelson; father-in-law, Eugene D. Maurer; sister-in-law and husband, Elen Maurer & Buzz Brown; many nieces and nephews; and his dogs: Beeker, Rhyme, and Jif. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Rosalie Nelson, Jr.; and mother-in-law, Rachel (McClanahan) Maurer. The family of Keith Nelson will receive relatives and friends at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg Chapel on Monday, July 21, 2014, from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. There is no formal service, but sharing of memories at the end of the visitation is encouraged. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-3678; www.stjude.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.