Obituary of Hayden Gunnar Nelson

Hayden Gunnar Nelson was born April 16, 2001 in Edina, Minnesota, He passed away peacefully February 27th, 2024 at his home in Minneapolis.

Preceded in death by his grandfather Louis Titus, grandmother Bonnie Nelson and Uncle Mathew Nelson.

Survived by his parents Benjamin (Suzanne Engstrom) Nelson, Ann (Joel) Kansanback, brother Hunter Nelson, grandparents Robert Nelson and Paula Titus and step siblings Cole, Audrey, Charles (Janvi) and Henry.

Hayden lived his life with infectious passion and enthusiasm. He was quick to smile and would show his sense of humor with silly jokes, movie quotes and shared videos. He had many interests but at the center of everything was his family and his amazing circle of close friends that he also considered family. Hayden was incredibly thoughtful, sensitive, caring, fiercely loyal and protective of those he loved.

When Hayden was young, he discovered fishing and was hooked. Ice fishing in the winter and come spring as much of his free time as possible in his beloved boat on the lake fishing with his buddies and his brother Hunter. The fishing stories were many and the perfectly angled photos were numerous. Hockey was another passion of Hayden's. After learning to skate as a child to playing Wednesday night men's league as an adult. He loved time at the outdoor rink and never complained about the cold. He was also a big fan of the Minnesota Wild, attending games whenever possible and sporting one of his loved jerseys.

Hayden knew after visiting Duluth for a youth hockey tournament that UMD was the college for him. He loved it all, from dorm life, academics, parties, sporting events to the amazing friends he made. He was also a member of the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity. He graduated in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in business. He was so proud and excited to move on to the next chapter but also commented that leaving Duluth was one of the saddest days of his life.

Visitation will be held Monday March 4th at 10:00 am followed by a Service at 11:00 am at Hosanna Church, 9600 163rd Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044. in lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Fishing for Life MN.