Gayle M. Nelson

Gayle Marilyn Nelson was the definition of a Mother, wonderful Daughter, caring Sister, loving Aunt & amazing friend. She was called home to start her new life with our Lord & Savior on May 6th, 2025 at the age of 71.

She was born to Clifford & Elsie Nelson on December 31st, 1953. Gayle attended Galtier grade school, Wilson junior high & Saint Paul Central high school. She attended Saint Cloud State before returning to Saint Paul to work for Curtis 1000, she spent her entire career there.

On May 29th of 1991, Gayle gave birth to her only child Benjamin Kenneth Nelson. From this moment forward Gayle determined her purpose in this life was to be the best Mother she could for Benjamin. She greatly exceeded any expectations that she set for herself & accomplished the ultimate goal of raising a well-rounded young man.

She loved to travel with her family, often taking weeks off every summer to go travel to Northern Minnesota. She enjoyed visiting the Brainerd/Nisswa area she grew up going as a child, she then discovered a new connection with the Superior National Forest & Grand Marais, MN. Fishing, hiking/exploring, swimming, sun bathing, playing with her dogs (Sniffy, from her childhood, followed by Punky, Jack & Honey), cooking/grilling, reading & relaxing were all activities she enjoyed while spending time in these areas.

During her life, Gayle was a talented tap dancer, an active individual at Lifetime Fitness & with her Aerobics Fitness Group (where she met lifelong friends), a caretaker for her mother, an active member in her Church & an outgoing personality within her “MinuteMoms” baseball group. She loved spending time over the years with her high school best friend Trudy Osvoll. Her friends Pam & Debbie would often have lunch with Gayle every month over the last 2-3yrs, they all attended high school together as well. Any additional time Gayle found was dedicated to her family & friends, often putting time with them ahead of doing things for herself, making her one of the most wholesome people to ever walk this Earth.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford & Elsie Nelson.

She is survived by and will be reunited with her son, Benjamin (Molly); brothers, Wayne (Terry) & Kenneth (Marcella); nieces, Melissa (Eric), Heather (Dave), Beth (Troy), Johanna, Elsa (Alex) & Ingrid.

We will continue to celebrate her life, her impact & her memory will never fade, her light will always shine! We have many more stories & memories to share, and we look forward to you joining us for this celebration of her life.

Funeral service 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 14 at Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 W. Roselawn Ave., Roseville. Visitation at the church from 10-11 AM Wednesday. Interment Sunset Memorial Park.