Gary “Big Lee” Nelson died peacefully at home in Centennial, CO on July 27th 2021, at the age of 83. He was surrounded by the loving presence of his family and friends. Gary was born December 1937 to Elmer Nelson and Mabel Anderson in Walnut Grove, MN. He graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1953 and attended University of Minnesota. He served in the United States Army, stationed in Fort Hood Texas. Gary married June Anderson, daughter of Kern and June Anderson on April 27, 1963. They moved to New Ulm in 1969 to raise their family. He was a respected business owner and proud member of the New Ulm community for over 20 years. Although he moved from New Ulm to retire in Palm Springs, he held the town and the people in it near and dear to his heart. After the loss of his first wife June in 2002, Gary was given a second chance at love and met Mona Conway. They married and blended their families in beautiful Colorado. Gary is survived by his adoring wife, Mona; his daughters Barbara, Kristen, and Bridget; his sons Mickey, Peter, and Jens; 15 grandchildren; sister Shirley Shafer; and a band of lifelong friends to long to list. Gary is preceded in death by his father Elmer, mother Mabel, first wife June, children Teresa and Chad, brother Wallace, and niece Susan Schafer.