Carmen and June Nelson College Fund

On Monday March 8, 2021,Seth Nelson of Ely, MN died unexpectedly at the age of 43.  Seth was born in St Petersburg, Florida to Steven Paul Nelson and Sharon Kay Nelson (Sadle). He grew up in Hanover, Minnesota and graduated from Buffalo High School, going on to graduate from Vermillion College in Ely Minnesota, where he continued to work and raise his family. Seth worked for the United States Forest Service starting in 2002 as an Engine Boss and Incident Commander with wildland fire, and in recent years Timber Sales Administrator. Seth built two homes just outside of Ely and has been blessed with two daughters, Carmen (14), and June (11).

Seth loved, and was very proud of his two daughters.  He would often share stories and photos with his brothers and friends.  They meant the world to him.  He also was the type of guy that would always make you laugh with his ever present smile, his wit, and sarcasm.  He also knew how to laugh at himself.  He was a very genuine and authentic person, if you were having a conversation with him, he was listening with his whole heart.  Seth also had opinions and ideas about things.  If he made up his mind on how he was going to do something, there was no changing it. 

Seth plotted his own course in life and excelled in what he put his mind to.  First with his move to the north woods, an area the Nelson family took trips to as children.   Seth had many friends from work and town who he shared the love of the outdoors with.  As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, canoeing, camping, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, golfing and just about anything else outside.  The outdoors is where Seth connected with people best.  Skiing, running, fishing and more with his daughters gave him great joy.    Seth has touched many people’s lives and he will be greatly missed by them.  Seth’s parents would have been so very proud of the life he lived and heartbroken with the knowledge that it was cut short.

He has always wanted what was best for Carmen and June; including the opportunity for them to go on to college.   Although he wanted to set up a college fund for them, he had not yet done this.  The Nelson family would like to start a college fund for Seth's daughters so that something positive can continue to grow from a loving father who will be missed.   Rather than sending flowers for the service or memorials to an organization, we would ask you to consider donating here instead.  All proceeds will be placed into a college fund for Carmen and June Nelson.