Ronald John Nelson born October 16 1947 in Owatonna Minnesota died Thursday November 27 2014 at his residence. Ron lived life to the fullest through travel and impromptu adventure. He had a lifelong passion for outdoor activities such as hunting working with dogs golfing and boating. Additionally he was a dedicated athlete playing hockey and setting football records at Owatonna High School. He went on to play football at University of North Dakota and returned to graduate from Mankato State College. But his greatest joy has always been bringing laughter and happiness to others through his contagious smile sincerity and infectious personality. He was considered the life of the party and referred to as a very funny man." There is no question as to why his personality and competitive spirit led to successful sales careers with corporate giants like 3M Baxter Laboratories and UPS Freight. While these positions provided him opportunities to live in fabulous cities throughout the country he wanted his last days to be spent at The Chandler Farm with his companion Elizabeth (Betty) Chandler and the friendly folk of Newberry SC. He was the son of the late John Brenard Nelson and Florence Marie Olejnicak Nelson. In addition to Betty he is survived by a son Nathan John Nelson of Minneapolis MN; a daughter Stacey Lee Nelson of Santa Cruz CA; a brother William Brenard Nelson of Sarasota FL; and an aunt Maryann Olejnicak of W. St. Paul MN. Memorials are suggested to Ducks Unlimited 3416 Lake Ave.Columbia SC 29206. On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home Newberry is assisting the family.