Noral F. ‘Sonny” Nelson was born September 14, 1937 in Ray, North Dakota, the youngest child of Ludvig and Violet (Stewart) Nelson. He was raised and educated in Ray schools, and was baptized and confirmed in the Lu- theran faith. He worked at Tank Farms and for other area farmers, and was also employed at Tioga Air Heaters, and drove truck for a time. He loved to tinker with anything mechanical, like cars or trucks. One of his favorite jobs was working for the carnival setting up the merry-go-round. He also enjoyed putting models together. Sonny was once married to Margaret “Jane” Ruckle. The couple adopted three children, Jackie, Steven and Luke. The marriage ended in divorce. Visiting with friends at the senior heritage center was a favorite past time for Sonny. He is survived by his children, Steven, Luke and Jackie all of Minnesota; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild; sisters, Louise (Earl) Dokken of Ray, ND; Marlene Tinnes of Williston, ND and Marge Ander- son of Minot, ND; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; brothers- in-law, Norman McCrery, Robert Tinnes and Richard Anderson; and nephew, Jeff Anderson.