UPDATE: Brooklyn Park Mourns Former State Rep. Michael Nelson

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

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

He was 71 years old. 

Nelson, a DFLer, spent 22 years in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He was first elected to represent Brooklyn Park and parts of Osseo in 2002.

“Well, we drafted him, and sometimes he joked that, you know, we brought him kicking and screaming — but he was really good at it, and he was very effective,” said Debra Hilstrom, who grew up in the same neighborhood as Nelson.

Hilstrom represented Brooklyn Center in the House from 2001 through 2018.

“Mike was steady and quiet until he wasn’t. He wielded power very well at the legislature. He was the chair of state government finance, so he funded all of state government as the chair,” said Hilstrom.

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

Nelson was a graduate of Park Center High School and Hennepin Technical College.

“Because I’ve grown up and I’ve lived most of my life in this community, I understand what’s going on, I understand the needs of the people of Brooklyn Park,” Nelson told CCX News while campaigning in the 2000s. “I like to know what’s going on and be involved and help. At the Capitol we have a chance to be involved and make laws and shape the laws, and shape the laws to help people.”

As a carpenter and union advocate, Nelson spent much of his time in the legislature fighting for labor rights.

“One of his proudest moments was working on misclassification of workers and wage theft,” Hilstrom said. “He believed that if people had a job, that they should get paid the wages that they were entitled to.”

According to Hilstrom, his connection to the community in this home town helped to keep him popular with voters.

“Mike belonged to the school of door knocking,” she said. “And so he really connected with people, and people knew that he was there to listen because he was there asking them.”

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.”

But his retirement would be cut short. A social media post by a family member said Nelson passed away after a short illness. 

Those who knew him say his selfless service continues to inspire.

“Getting into this office, and obviously taking over after, you know, he announced his retirement, was heavy, because he was a staple figure in the legislature for that length of time,” said Rep. Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley, who won Nelson’s seat after he stepped away. “He wasn’t in it for just the title and the limelight that comes with it, being a legislator. He was in it because he truly believed in the work.”

Former Brooklyn Park City Council Member Wynfred Russell offered similar sentiments.

“He served our House district with integrity and a profound commitment to his community,” Russell said. “We worked closely together during my time on the Brooklyn Park City Council, and I will always value his partnership.”

Nelson 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