Clair Nelsen

Clair O. Nelsen died peacefully at home with his family by his side, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at the age of 84.

Clair was born on September 2, 1935 to the late Melvin and Hazel Nelsen. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1953, and then attended Barber School in St. Paul, MN. After moving to Duluth, he owned and operated the Barber Shop in the Medical Arts Building. In 1957, he went to work for Royal Alworth Jr. to manage the Duluth Polo Club until his retirement in 1998 He Married Sue Matheson in 1999. Together, they enjoyed many years with family, friends and horses.

Clair was a member of Lakeview Covenant Church, the AQHA, USPA, MQHA, AAD Temple Shrine, A&A Scottish Rite, Lake Superior Lodge No. 349 and was a former Lakewood volunteer firefighter. He will be most remembered as an icon in the horse world, training, showing, playing polo and raising Grand Champion Quarter Horses.

Clair is survived by his wife Sue Nelsen, sons Scott, Duluth, Jeff (Tracy) Tallahassee, FL., daughter Patti (Gary) Madison. Grandchildren Katy, Joseph, Eric (Sainty), Sophie, and Lily Nelsen, John (Rose), Melissa and Thomas Madison, great granddaughter Molly Nelsen and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Dan Nikcevich and Essentia Hospice for the wonderful care that Clair received. Services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, MN, (218) 727-3555.