A funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Hanska with Pastor Ben Hilding officiating. Burial will follow in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in rural Hanska. Military Honors will be provided by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH chapel, and will continue from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday at church, prior to the service. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Clint is survived by his wife of 67 years, Darlene Nelson of New Ulm; son and daughter-in-law, David and Paraluman Patini “June”Nelson of Hanska; grandchildren, Cole Nelson and Brittany (Chris Atkinson) Nelson, both of Florida; bonus grandchildren, Jaclyn Robels of California, Charlotte Carel of Manila, and Cris Carel of Dubai; bonus great-grandchildren, Lance Robles (Aira Abrielle Robels), Jeri Robles, Vash Carel, and Drecko Carel; sister, Laverne (Ernie) Williams of Arizona; brother, Wayne (Patty) Nelson of Hanska; sisters-in-law, Sandy Nelson of Hanska and Marlys Sperger of Arizona; mother of his grandchildren, Kim Nelson of Florida; brothers-in-law, Clarence Tabatt of Georgia and Derald Tabatt of Washington; aunt, Bea (Bob) Schwingler of St. James; special friends, Diane (Bruce) Englin of Butterfield and Tammy Dotson and her children, of Owatonna; many other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Nelson; parents, Odin and Marie Nelson; parents-in-law, Velma and Roland Sperger and Adolph Tabatt; brothers, Richard (Arlene Kitzberger) Nelson and Ronald Nelson; brothers-in-law, Ronald Tabatt, Ronald Nundahl, Ken Brandsma, Jim Fortier, David Sperger, and Marvin Tabatt; sisters-in-law, Tommie Tabatt and Mary Sperger; nearly sister, Karen Edison; godmother, Polly Ellanson; and 7 nieces and nephews gone too soon.

Clinton Orvis Nelson was born April 19, 1933 in Madelia Hospital to Odin and Marie (Odegard) Nelson. A 1952 graduate of Hanska High School, he went on to complete his education at McConnell Airline Business School in 1959. In between, he honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957, later continuing in the Reserves in 1961. During his time in the service, Clint worked as a Corpsman/Ambulance Driver at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois, a role that reflected his calm nature and willingness to help others. On October 18, 1958, Clint married the love of his life, Darlene Tabatt, in Ripon, Wisconsin. Their union was blessed with two sons, who were their pride and joy. Clint worked at Supersweet and also served part-time with the Hanska Police Department. He later dedicated 20 years as the building and groundskeeper at Flandrau State Park, where he In his younger years, Clint enjoyed hunting and fishing, later developing a love for birding and antiquing. He took great pride in his cars and found joy in collecting scale model cars, caps, coins, and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. Clint enjoyed watching the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, and Lynx on TV, as well as old westerns and WWII movies. He took many trips to Unique Auto in Mankato, admiring all the cars. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and loved enjoying coffee and sweets, especially chocolate malts. Clint and Darlene appreciated traveling together, including trips to Alaska, Hawaii, and Florida for Christmas family get-togethers. Clint also had a creative side, often painting around the house and carefully decorating Darlene’s bird figures. Known for his dry sense of humor, Clint brought a quiet wit to those around him. He was proud to serve as a godfather and sponsor to eight children and extended his generosity by sponsoring international children as well. Clint was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hanska, where he was baptized and confirmed. His faith remained impor tant to him throughout his life, and he gave back by serving on the cemetery board and as its secretary for a number of years. He was also a co-founder of the local chapter of The Compassionate Friends, a role that was especially meaningful to both him and Darlene. Clint remained active in his community through his involvement with the Hanska Sportsmen Club and the Friends of Flandrau, where he worked especially hard on efforts to support the park’s pool. Clint will be remembered for his humility, steady presence, and the quiet but meaningful ways he touched the lives of others. Blessed be his memory.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to St. Jude’s Research Hospital.

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