Keith Floyd Nelson

Keith Floyd Nelson, 70, of St. Cloud, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

The placement of Keith’s urn and a short service will take place at Assumption Cemetery on September 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

A celebration of Keith’s life will follow at Shooters Saloon and Eatery on September 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to come together to share stories, memories, laughter, and celebrate the life of a man who meant so much to so many.

Keith was born on July 13, 1956, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Floyd and Clementine Nelson. From an early age, Keith developed the strong work ethic, determination, and willingness to help others that would remain a part of who he was throughout his life.

Keith spent much of his life working with his hands. He built his career as a welder and machinist, taking pride in doing things right and never being afraid of hard work. Outside of work, his creativity and mechanical ability could be seen in the custom motorcycles and hot rods he built. He especially loved working on Harley-Davidson motorcycles and took great pride in his 1939 Chevrolet truck.

But as much as Keith loved his projects, nothing meant more to him than his family.

Keith and his wife, Mary Jane, shared 51 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories together. Their love and devotion to one another were constant throughout their lives. Keith’s love for Mary Jane was endless, and she was, without question, one of the most important parts of his life. Keith and Jesse had a special relationship; drag racing cars and building motorcycles together. Even when it resembled Paul Sr and Jr from Orange County Choppers.

Keith was also a proud father and grandfather. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he took tremendous pride in each of them. Gavin, Jameson, Rowan, and Jules brought him a special kind of happiness, and the time he spent with them created memories that his family will carry with them forever.

Keith didn’t need much to be happy. Give him his family, a project to work on, a motorcycle or hot rod to tinker with, and time with the people he loved, and he was right where he wanted to be. He had a generous and caring heart and was always willing to help those around him.

Keith is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Mary Jane Nelson; his son, Jesse Keith Nelson; daughter-in-law, Desiree Nelson; and his grandchildren, Gavin Kasparek, 21; Jameson Nelson, 16; Rowan Nelson, 10; and Jules Nelson, 2.

He is also survived by his brothers, Greg (Eileen) Nelson, Jeff (Cheryl) Nelson, and Brian Nelson, along with many other relatives, friends, and loved ones.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Clementine Nelson, and his twin brothers, Lloyd and Floyd Nelson.

Keith’s family will remember him not only for the things he built with his hands, but for the love he built within his family. He will be remembered for his endless love for Mary Jane, his pride in his son and grandchildren, his generosity, his kindness, his sense of family, and the countless memories he created along the way.

Keith’s life was measured not by what he owned or what he built, but by the people he loved and the love he gave them.

His family will miss his presence, his laughter, his stories, and simply having him there. Though Keith is no longer with them, the love he gave his family will live on through Mary Jane, Jesse, Desiree, Gavin, Jameson, Rowan, Jules, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

He was deeply loved. He will be deeply missed, and he will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a memorial tree in memory of Keith. https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative-trees-for-others?producttype=TIM.