Roger H. 'Mickey' Nelson, 85, Owatonna, MN died on Friday, January 9, 2009 in Homestead Hospice House. Roger Howard Nelson was born the son of Joseph and Dorothy (Hanson) Nelson on October 14, 1923 in Aurora Township, near Bixby. He attended school in Blooming Prairie graduating in 1941. Roger entered the United States Navy in 1944 and served during WWII in the South Pacific on the USS North Carolina. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, Roger returned to Minnesota where he farmed with his parents near Bixby. He was united in marriage to Idella Muri on June 6, 1948 in Ellendale Lutheran Church. They continued to farm near Bixby until his retirement. They moved to Owatonna in 2001. Roger and Idella enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. They also traveled to Europe, Mexico, Kasba in Northern Africa and to Spain. They would spend summer days at Lake Emily in Northern Minnesota where they spent their time relaxing, fishing and spending time with family. Roger was a lifetime member of the Owatonna Elks Lodge 1395 and the VFW Post 3723. He was a member of the USS North Carolina Association in Wilmington, North Carolina and a member of the Steele County Historical Society. Roger is survived by his wife of 60 years, Idella of Owatonna; a son, Daryl and Debbie) Nelson of Blooming Prairie; a daughter, Kay (and Rich) Northrop of Owatonna; two sisters, Norma Peterson of Albert Lea; Marlys (and Luverne) Sunde of Waseca; two granddaughters, Kathy Wrede and Jennifer McKinstry, and three step grandchildren, Emily, Tessie and Tasha Northrop. Roger was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, William 'Bill' McKinstry. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 11 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church with Reverend Julie Malone officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. in Michaelson Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service in the church. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, rural Bixby. Visitation: 01/13/2009 16:00 01/13/2009 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service in the church 01/14/2009 11:00