Carl Nelson

Carl Sherwood Nelson, 75, of Chanhassen, died on Feb. 22 at home, surrounded by his loving family. 

Carl was born in Moline, Illinois. He was the second eldest of Virginia and Sherwood Nelson’s four boys, all of whom inherited their parents’ artistic talents.

Carl graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in graphic design in 1971. While at the University of Illinois, he sang in the Varsity Men’s Glee Club and was a founding member of The Other Guys, an eight-man a cappella group that is celebrating its 55th anniversary. Carl was known as “Mr. Bass Man.”

He worked in advertising and eventually became a partner with Russ Chance in Chance Nelson & Associates Advertising. Toward the end of his career, he taught various design-related courses at Dakota County Technical College.

He was passionate about painting and spent hours in his studio, often journaling through art while traveling. He did commission work and exhibited in various shows and galleries. Carl also loved painting with his children and grandchildren.

Carl married Marsha Johnson, a fellow Moliner, in 1972, and they enjoyed 52 joyous years together. He loved life and had many interests, including music, dancing, tennis, swimming, biking, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, reading, and, most of all, painting. The joke with many friends and family was “Where’s Carl?” because he would wander off taking photos or painting. 

Carl was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Marsha, and their three children: Luke (Kimberly) Nelson, Emily (Nathan) Rust, and Jeffrey Nelson. He also leaves behind three beloved grandchildren, Henrik and Peder Nelson, and Evelyn Rust, as well as his three siblings, David (Linda) Nelson, Paul (Linda) Nelson, and Tom (Debby) Nelson.

A funeral service will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 13600 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, on Thursday, April 10, with visitation at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. A livestream of the 2 p.m. memorial service will be available via livestream.

Memorials may be directed to St. Andrew Lutheran Church or Friends of the Boundary Waters.

Carl’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Park Nicollet Hospice for the expert and tender care that they helped provide for him in his final days. 

Carl will be forever in our hearts as he leaves us missing a kind, gentle and artistic man.