Brooklyn Park Mourns Former State Rep. Michael Nelson

The Brooklyn Park community is mourning former state lawmaker Rep. Michael Nelson, who passed away, according to family and legislative leaders.

Lawmakers and others posted tributes to Nelson on social media over the weekend.

He was 71 years old. 

Nelson spent 22 years in the Minnesota House of Representatives as a DFLer.

A carpenter by trade and a union official, Nelson was first elected to represent Brooklyn Park and parts of Osseo in 2002.

At various times during his tenure, he chaired the Government Operations Committee, the State Government Finance and Elections Committee and the Labor Committee.

While an obituary has not yet been published, a social media post by a family member said Nelson passed away after a short illness. 

Nelson retired in 2024.

“[We] got a lot of things accomplished,” Nelson said in an interview with CCX News shortly after announcing his retirement. “When I first ran, I didn’t think I was going to be here that long. Like I said: It was 11 terms, 22 years. It’s time to move on with my life, actually retire and see what that is like.”

Nelson was a graduate of Park Center High School and Hennepin Technical College, according to the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library.

He leaves behind a wife and three children.

Related: Longtime Brooklyn Park State Rep. Mike Nelson Announces He Won’t Seek Re-Election

Brooklyn Park | Osseo