Walter William Nelsen passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at the age of 84 on February 16, 2016. He was preceeded in death by his wife Betty Lou, also by his daughter Lynn and granddaughter Lianne.

Born on April 14, 1931, Walter lived his entire life in White Bear Lake, and was a hardworking and loyal resident. He graduated from White Bear Lake High School in 1948, and went on to work over 40 years for Summit Farms Dairy. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of White Bear Lake for over 50 years. Among his favorite places to visit was the local Dairy Queen, where he loved to enjoy a treat.

Walter had many hobbies throughout his life, but was particularly dedicated to calligraphy. He also enjoyed collecting coins and stamps, both new and old. In his spare time, he made frequent visits to family and friends, both during hospital stays or just to say hello. He loved spending time with those he cared about, and went out of his way to see them in person as often as he could.

Above all, Walter will most be remembered as an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. On June 3, 1950, Walter married his sweetheart Betty Lou, to whom he was an adoring and devoted husband. Together, they lovingly raised 6 children: Janice (Mike), Lynn (Rod), Deb (Dennis), Todd (Lori), Dawn, and Jorgen (Karla) . Walter took pride in his 30  grandchildren: Nick (Christie), Jennifer (Mike), Tina (Mike) Natalie (Paul), Annie (Dan), Matt (Nora), Shannon (Tim), Lianne, Katie (Andy), Angela, Jade, Jassmine (Mike), Molly, Ashley, Jeff, Mikie, Brian, Cody, Lacey, Becky, Holly (Chad), Amber, Erin (Josh), Jeremy (Laura), Chris (Katie), Brent (Amy), Elizabeth (Jeremy), Mandy (Troy), Baylee, and Anders . Finally, Walter was a caring great-grandfather to his 31 great-grandchildren : Brendan, Allison, Taylor, Ryan, Michaela, Kaylee, Abby, Blayne, Trystian, Cuyler, Carson, Olivia, Jake, Sophie, Rylan, Eevie, Ashlynn, Michael, Trenton, Eli, Amelia, Dylan, Alyssa, Ashley, Owen, Sydney, Conner, Jacob, Ian, Elyse, and Gemma.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to his childrens' American Cancer Society Relay for life team.  Please make the check to the American Cancer Society and send the check to one of his children or grandchildren.