Cynthia and Russ Nelson have called Ellendale home since 1964. The couple, pictured above, married in 1965. Star Eagle photo by Eli Lutgens
By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
If the name Russ Nelson rings a bell, you’re likely from the NRHEG area. Known for his previous business, Russ Nelson Electric, Nelson has opened a new shop. Russ Nelson Motor Shop is located at 601 Dutton Avenue in Ellendale, right next to the Methodist church, down the road from the water tower.
What started as a side project has now become a business for 80-year old Nelson, who said retirement just didn’t stick with him.
“It started as a hobby 15 years ago,” Nelson explained. “I retired in 2018, but people kept bringing me stuff to work on.”
Nelson, who ran Nelson Electric from 1974 until 2016, plans to continue fixing any and all kinds of electric motors. “I fix whatever pertains to the grain systems, livestock systems, basically any and all electric motors,” Nelson said. “Anything mechanical, I like doing.”
Most of Nelson’s projects are for local farmers, and, in his words, “everyone local.” Some of these motors go into augers, fans, or various ventilation systems.
Nelson says electronic motors haven’t changed much in 15 years, and neither has his motto.
“I’ve worked on some old motors and they really haven’t changed a whole lot,” said Nelson. His motto is, “Work hard and treat your customers how you want to be treated.”
Nelson’s interest in mechanics, motors, and electrical repairs began when he attended Mankato Vocation college in 1962. After six months, he switched his studies to electronic repair. In 1964 he began working for Gordon Electric in Owatonna, which brought him to Ellendale, where he has lived ever since.
In 1965 he married his wife, Cythnia, and together the two of them raised two kids, Todd and Matthew. Ellendale residents might recognize Cynthia from her work with the local garden and the Ellendale Area Food Shelf. As for their boys, Todd inherited his father’s electric genes, and works as an electrical contractor in Rochester.
For nine years, Nelson worked as a contractor for various electrical companies before opening Russ Nelson Electric in 1974, which he operated until he sold the business in 2016.
His new business, which started a little over a month ago, is going well according to Nelson.
Anyone interested or in need of electric motor services, including repair and replacement can contact Russ anytime at 507-473-0513 or 507-444-5018.