Wayne Gefred "Weiner" Nelson , 76, 1708 1st Ave. S.W. - Minot died on Friday, March 19, 2010 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Wayne was born on April 1, 1933 in Minot to Wilmot and Lydia (Marzolf) Nelson. He was reared in Minot and graduated from Minot High School where he was captain of its football team. He attended Utah State University where he had received a football scholarship. He served in the U.S. Army prior to graduating from Minot State University.

Wayne married Arlene Alfstad on October 13, 1957 in Minot. They made their home in Minot where he was employed as a salesman at Midwest Motor for 28 years. During his retirement years he was employed at the Lamplighter Bottle Shop.

Wayne was a member of the Elks Lodge, Eagles Aerie and Moose Lodge and was an avid softball player. He was inducted into the Minot High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. He especially enjoyed working in his yard, gardening and animals especially his cats.

Wayne's loving family includes his wife of 53 years Arlene; daughters, Tana Lynn (Craig) Anderson, Wendi Sue (Dennis) Dion and Deanna Nelson all of Minot; grandchildren, Brue, Tori and Zane Swanson, Chutney and Caydra Askvig, Nathan Werner and McKaya Diaz, great grandchildren: Brynn Swanson, Kiarra Diaz and Everleigh Askvig; sister, Betty Ann (Leonard) Johnson of Minot, brother, Dennis (Margaret) Nelson of Minot and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, son: Lonnie Wayne Nelson, brother: Willis Nelson and good friends: Bob "Sonny" Olson and Joe Fritz.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in Christ Lutheran Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot
In lieu of plants and flowers memorials are preferred to the Souris Valley Animal Shelter.