Dr. Wallace Nelson

Dr. Wallace Nelson, 89, Willmar and previously of Lamberton, died Dec. 14, 2017.

Wally was a retired professor emeritus of the University of Minnesota and the founding Superintendent of the Southwest Research and Outreach Center.   He grew up in the Walnut Grove community and following high school graduation he enrolled in the U.S. Navy in May 1945, and served in Singapore on the Admiral’s Fleet.  Wally then enrolled at the U of M St. Paul campus and completed his bachelor and doctorate work in soil science.   He devoted himself to the advancement of agriculture in Minnesota for over 40 years. 

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Interment was in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.