ANOKA, Minnesota — Stanford Ingram “Stan” Nelson, a World War II Navy veteran who helped carry American troops onto Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion and later became a celebrated Minnesota high school football coach, died on November 20, 2025. He was 105.
Nelson died with family by his side, according to his obituary published by Gearhart Anoka Funeral Home. Just nine days earlier, he had appeared before thousands of hockey fans at a Minnesota Wild game on Veterans Day, receiving recognition for a lifetime of military service.
Born on September 22, 1920, in Dawson, Minnesota, Nelson lived through the Great Depression, World War II and more than a century of American history. His legacy extended far beyond his wartime service, reaching generations of students, athletes and families in his home state.
Stan Nelson’s Role in the D-Day Invasion
On June 6, 1944, Nelson was a young U.S. Navy officer serving aboard Landing Craft Infantry LCI-492 during the Allied invasion of Normandy, one of the decisive military operations of World War II.
His landing craft transported American soldiers to Omaha Beach, where Allied troops faced heavy German resistance.
According to a Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs account, Nelson’s vessel made four trips to Omaha Beach on D-Day.
The account described how the crew approached the shoreline, dropped an anchor and accelerated to ground the vessel so soldiers could disembark. The crew then used the anchor and winch to pull the craft away before returning for more troops.
Nelson later served as a patrol craft captain in the Pacific theater.
In a 2020 interview with FOX 9, reflecting on his military experience, Nelson said serving his country was the greatest thing that had happened in his life.
His wartime memories remained deeply personal. A Minnesota veterans affairs account described how Nelson could recall the journey to Omaha Beach but found it difficult to speak about what he witnessed after the soldiers landed.
From World War II Veteran to Championship Football Coach
After returning from military service, Nelson devoted his professional life to education and athletics.
He graduated from Augsburg College in 1943 and later earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota in 1951.
Nelson began his career at Anoka High School in 1953, becoming a respected football coach and mentor.
He led Anoka to seven conference championships and the 1964 Minnesota state championship. The same year, he was named Minnesota State Coach of the Year.
His teams also recorded 33 consecutive victories during a remarkable four-season stretch.
According to Augsburg University’s tribute, Nelson earned 12 varsity letters across football, basketball, baseball and golf during his college years.
He was inducted into five athletic halls of fame, recognising a coaching career that influenced generations of Minnesota athletes.
Minnesota Wild Honored Stan Nelson Nine Days Before His Death
On November 11, 2025, Nelson appeared at the Minnesota Wild’s Military Appreciation Night against the San Jose Sharks at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.
The 105-year-old veteran led the team’s traditional “Let’s Play Hockey!” announcement before the game.
The Minnesota Wild’s official announcement identified Nelson as a Navy veteran believed to be Minnesota’s oldest living World War II veteran at the time.
FOX 9 interviewed Nelson ahead of the ceremony. Although he acknowledged he was not particularly familiar with hockey, he expressed enthusiasm about watching the players.
The Minnesota Star Tribune later reported that Nelson enjoyed a beer in a suite after participating in the ceremony.
He died nine days later, on November 20, with the Veterans Day appearance becoming one of his final widely reported public moments.
Family, Funeral and Lasting Legacy
Nelson was married to Marcella Solheim for 64 years until her death in 2011.
He was survived by his three children, Cheryl King, Steve Nelson and Dave Nelson, along with grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
His son Steve played 14 seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots, while Dave followed the family tradition into a successful high school football coaching career.
Nelson’s funeral was held on December 2, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, with a private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
His life was remembered not only for his military courage but also for his influence as a teacher, father, coach and community leader.
From the landing beaches of Normandy to the football fields of Minnesota, Nelson left a legacy that endured for more than a century.
Stanford Ingram Nelson, September 22, 1920 – November 20, 2025.
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