Eric John Nelson

Eric J. Nelson, age 44, of Red Wing, formerly of St. Paul, MN

Passed away unexpectedly, Friday, May 1, 2020. 

Eric was born to David and Christine (Trytten) Nelson on November 21, 1975 in Stevens Point, WI.  Soon there after, Eric and his family moved to St. Paul where he lived for 35 years; then relocating to the Alpine home in Red Wing. As a member of the Trytten clan he learned how to swim when he was 4.  He loved being outside and went on long walks with his Mom.  He also like taking drives around St. Paul area lakes with Dad or Mom.  

He learned to walk when he was 11 months old, but was never able to speak.  Because he had many words and thoughts inside of him, he would become distraught; hitting and biting himself.  Music helped calm him.  Mom discovered it was faith songs about God and Jesus that helped him find peace. She sang to him every day. She bought a radio; KTIS was his favorite station. Bruce played "Amazing Grace" to Eric on his harmonica and that became a favorite song.  We discovered that prayer was the only way to deal successfully with Eric's worst times of distress.  

Eric did learn a few helpful signs. Joan brought a sheet of paper with the alphabet printed on it in large letters.  This became Eric's talk sheet.  With a lot of work over time, it started to open up Eric's inner self.  He let Mom read him one children's book, then rejected the other children's books.  What engaged him was a book of excerpts from Helen Keller's writing He liked factual books; about certain animals (whales, dolphins); about the body, atoms, planets, and books about people's relationship with God and books on prayer.  Dad bought a video player. Eric liked videos about the voyager travels to the planets and Bill Gaither videos.  He was becoming a man of faith and prayer.  

When a diabetic infection caused much of Eric's right leg to be amputated, the hospital experience revealed he was a man of courage.  One nurse called him her most courageous patient.  

Eric had done some math at home. In the group home he did more math with Mom. He focused on the multiplication tables.  Going through them could calm him when he was upset.  He also like the metric system and learning the scientific number system using the powers of 10.  Mom read more books at Eric's request.  

In the group home, Eric wheeled his wheel chair up and down the hall checking on his favorite people.  But especially Jesus, became his deep, constant friend.  He requested two things from from home; the big picture of Jesus and the metal cross.  He asked to have communion first each time his parents visited.  When he died May 1, 2020, he went straight to be with his friend Jesus.  

Eric will be lovingly remembered by his parents David and Christine Nelson; two brothers Karl (Jane VanHatten) Nelson and Lars (Erica) Nelson; five aunts Judith Trytten, Vurl Trytten, Lorre Trytten (Kees Koolstra), Alaro ( Sobomabo) Lawson, and Linda Nelson; uncles Joe Baltrukonis and Michael (Lynn) Nelson; five nieces, Rose, Ann, Annika, Kiersten, and Lilah; cousins Celise, Martina, Jaclyn, Jennifer, and John.

He is preceded in death by his Nelson and Trytten grandparents and two aunts, Katherine Kalke and Myrtle Jane Baltrukonis, and his cousin Ruth.

A memorial service was recorded by Eric's family and Pastor. To get information on how to view the service, please contact Eric's Parents.  Burial will take place in Phelps, WI.

If you wish to donate in memory of Eric: 

All Things New Prayer Ministry (make checks payable to New Horizons Foundation % Diane Paulson 2561 Fisk St. Roseville, MN 55113)

Joni & Friends MN- 750 2nd St. NE Hopkins, MN 55343

or church of your choice.

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