Arlen P. Nelson

Arlen Peter Nelson was born on July 17, 1937 in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, the son of Almer and Mabel (Rice) Nelson. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Pioneer Care in Fergus Falls, MN.

Arlen attended school in Pelican Rapids, was Confirmed at Central Lutheran Church in rural Pelican Rapids, and honorably served his country in the US Air Force, having been stationed in Germany.

On September 13, 1958, he married his soul-mate, Gladys R. Maneval of Vergas, MN at Central Lutheran Church. They lived in Pelican Rapids area until moving to Fergus Falls in 1964, where they continued their lives together for 35 years until moving to their Lake Lida home in 1999.

Arlen enjoyed golfing, pontooning, fishing, playing cribbage, and spending time with friends at the pool hall or just having coffee. In these later years, after moving back to Fergus falls, he enjoyed social breakfasts with old friends at the Viking Cafe or Perkins.

Arlen’s love of trucking began at a young age, beginning with Farnam’s in Pelican rapids. He drove over the road for different companies and as a dedicated and hard-working owner/operator, making his way throughout the US and Canada. He conquered the open road for International Transport, Gerald Evenson and others over the years, making many good and life-long friends. After retiring from a life spent over the road, he drove for Larry Ott of Fergus Falls, MN and ended his trucking career at the age of 80, driving beet trucks out of Wahpeton, ND.

Arlen and Gladys planned and hosted 11 memorable and meaningful reunions for the International Transport (IT) team over the years, beginning in 1986.

Arlen had a great sense of humor & wit. He would help anyone who asked, but stubbornly refused to ask anyone else for help. He did not talk about it much, but Arlen was rightfully very proud of his 48 years of sobriety.

Arlen is survived by his daughters, Jodeen Grant and Arlene Stadum; sons, Monte and Michael Nelson, all of Fergus Falls,MN; his faithful dog and best friend, Benji; seven grandchildren: Danielle (Lonnie) Ballweg, Fergus Falls, Mn, Sarah (Jyle) Meyhoff, Anacortes, WA, Marie Grant, Fergus Falls, MN, Roberta (Chris) Mavis, Battle Lake, MN, Jarod Grant, Fergus Falls, MN, Richard (Abby) Stadum, Fergus Falls, MN, Tyler (Samantha) Hultin, Moorhead, MN, and 16 Great Grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-law, Cheryl Nelson (Al Ziegler) and Carol Maneval; brothers-in-law, Gary (Pen) Maneval, Robin (Barb) Maneval, Steven Maneval, David (Jani) Maneval; as well as many nieces, nephews, and his good friend, Donna Umlauf of Fergus Falls, MN.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and his loving spouse, Gladys R. Nelson; sister, Jean Satter; brother, Richard Nelson; brothers-in-law, Leslie Satter, Lamont Dehn, Donald Maneval, William Maneval, Donald Arntson, and Winton Nelson; sisters-in-law, Donetta Dehn, Janice Arntson, Darlene Maneval; son-in-law, Daniel Grant and great-grandson, Joshua Ballweg.

Services will be conducted at Larson Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 18th, beginning with a visitation and time of fellowship at 1pm, with formal services starting at 2pm. Graveside services will be conducted at 3pm at Central Lutheran Cemetery where Arlen will be laid to rest.