Nels Peterson

Nels Bradley Peterson, age 61, of Lake Shore, Minnesota, beloved partner, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at Lakewood Health Systems of Staples on September 5, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with brain cancer, surrounded by family and friends to the very end.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday September 26, 2025 at 11:00am at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa, MN. There will be a visitation held one hour prior to the start of the service at the church.

Born on April 14, 1964, in Buffalo, Minnesota, to Lawrence and Darlene (Erickson) Peterson. Growing up in Buffalo, Nels shared his childhood with his sister, Marcia Henry. He was cherished by his grandparents – Norman and Martha Erickson, and Lawrence Clifford and Marion Lorraine Peterson. Nels graduated from Buffalo High school in 1982 and later earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota Minneapolis where he made many lifelong friendships through his involvement in Alpha Phi Omega and Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. Nels had a passion for cars, golfing, architecture, food, entertaining, and lighting. His career as a lighting designer began in 1986 and flourished when he started his own company, Nordic Lighting, in 2008. Nels was a Certified Lighting Consultant and an influential figure in the landscape lighting industry, contributing to the development of the Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer course for the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals.

In 2010, Nels met his partner Ryan, who became his love and inspiration where they challenged and balanced each other. They purchased a home along the shores of Bar Harbor Narrows, creating a haven for friends and family. Nels, known as the “Julia Child” of cooking, hosted countless cocktail and dinner parties making their home a welcoming place for all. They enjoyed cruising the lakes in their classic boats and spending time with their cairn terriers.

Later in his life Nels joined the Masons and was enriched by his involvement in his Lodge by the many friendships he made there. He was lucky that many of his Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity brothers were also Lodge brothers, which deepened their relationships. Nels rose through the ranks being head of the Chairmen and enjoyed being a part of the Lodge’s philanthropy.

Nels brought his wealth of knowledge and expertise to Sterling Lighting in 2020 and later joined Horse Power Brands - Blingle in 2022 as National Senior Sales Director, quickly becoming the driving force behind field operations and national sales expanding his influence and commitment to growth were everpresent. He often said, “I work for the franchisee; leadership is about being their consultant, designer, and advocate.” That mindset defined his every action—and lit the way for many. Recently Nels was brought on by Lumien Lighting as Regional Account Manager, as his love for lighting was always expanding. His leadership and mentorship empowered many entrepreneurs, leaving a lasting legacy in the outdoor lighting community.

Preceded in death by his parents, brother Timothy, and grandparents, Nels is survived by his partner of 15 years, Ryan Gran; sister Marcia (James) Henry; nieces Alexandra (Jordan) Gilbertson and Chelsey Henry, and nephew, Ethan Henry.

Nels’s family wishes to thank all his friends and colleagues for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers shown during this short period of time while battling brain cancer. We are so appreciative of the extraordinary care and support from the doctors and medical teams of Dr. Michelle McQuinn & Dr. Michael Ruff of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN along with the outstanding care and support from the doctors and medical team of Dr. Ryan Kroll, Dr. Chris Hughes, and Ashlyn Jenc, along with the dedicated nurses and staff of Lakewood Health System, Staples, MN.

Nels touched many lives with his humor, dedication, support and unwavering love. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him as he continues to light up the heavens.

In lieu of flowers donations are preferred to the Lakes Area Food Shelf in Nels' honor. lakesareafoodshelf.org PO Box 423 Pequot Lakes, MN 56472