Born Mar. 16, 1863, Reinli, Bang, Valdres, Norway, to Ole and Anna Nelson Røang. Immigrated with his parents in 1870 to Canton, S.D.  Married Ingeborg Schiager, Dec. 22, 1887. Died July 27, 1957, at age 94.

Children: Palmer Oscar, Arthur Grand; Nora Inez (Mill); Rev. Kelmer Nelson.

Honored by: Rev. and Mrs. Kelmer Roe, of Pacific Lutheran University, Tacomah, Wash.; Dr. and Mrs. Donald Nothstein, M.D., Dr. and Mrs. David Roe, Ph. D.

"The pioneer family lived in a hillside dougout, then a sod house, then a log house, and finally a frame house. Nels experienced all means of transportation from ox cart to airplane. He attended school about three months each year until age 18. He was a farmer. He did veteranary work for other farmers.
With his neighbors he worked on the construction of the West Prairie Lutheran Church. He served as precentor for many years ("Forsanger" of "Klokker")"