Loren Eugene Nelson

Loren Eugene Nelson April 28, 1938 – September 16, 2025 Loren Eugene Nelson, 87, passed away peacefully with his family in the comfort of his home in St. George, Utah on September 16, 2025. Loren was born on April 28, 1938, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Leonard and Inez (Myrmoe) Nelson. He grew up in the rural areas of Colton and Garretson, South Dakota alongside his sister, Bev Nelson, of Brandon, South Dakota. In 1959, Loren married Charleen “Cherie” (Austin) Nelson in Colton, South Dakota. Together they built a loving family and shared 66 years of marriage. He was the proud father of three children: Lori Sorensen of Eagan, Minnesota; Brad Nelson of Buffalo, Minnesota; and Leah Jane Laub (LaDel) of St. George, Utah. He was also like a father to his niece, Denise Deutsch of Lakeville, Minnesota. To his family he was lovingly known as “Papa”, a name that perfectly captured the warmth, pride, and devotion he brought to each of them. Loren was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him tremendous joy. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on at their many sporting events and activities. Whether it was softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, or baseball, Loren celebrated every athlete in the family with boundless enthusiasm. He loved being their loudest cheerleader. Loren earned his business degree from Nettleton College in Sioux Falls and served in the South Dakota Air National Guard for four years. His career in the meat-packing industry spanned decades, beginning as a traffic manager at Greenlee Meats in the late 1960s. He later held sales positions with Spencer Foods, Land O'Lakes, E.A. Miller, Beef Specialists of Iowa, and concluded his career with Packerland. His work took him across the Midwest, but he always called Spencer, Iowa home, where he and Cherie raised their children and built lifelong friendships, and later to Utah, where he continued to make lasting connections. After retiring, Loren and Cherie made their home in St. George, Utah, where they found community and friendship in the SunRiver senior living community. Retirement suited Loren well — he spent many happy hours on the lawn bowling greens, earning many medals in the Huntsman World Senior Games. A spirited competitor with a playful heart, Loren loved playing cards and all kinds of table games. He was a loyal fan of the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings, and an enthusiastic spectator of nearly any sport. He also discovered great joy in the kitchen, where he loved cooking and grilling for family and friends. Whether he was tending the grill or setting out a feast, Loren’s meals were an expression of his love. Above all, he delighted in time spent with his family — especially around a card table. Papa will be missed and forever remembered. A memorial service honoring Loren will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Colton, South Dakota. In celebration of his love for sports, guests are invited to wear a golf polo or their favorite sports jersey - especially from the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, or Green Bay Packers. Following the service, please join the family for fellowship and shared memories as we linger longer.

Loren Eugene Nelson

April 28, 1938 - September 16, 2025