In the News
Congressman Brad Finstad visits Waseca to honor Blair Nelson
Waseca County News | By Ethan Becker
"I'm a father of seven children, and I try to use these life moments to teach them about leaving it all on the field. When you hit the pearly gates, you slide head first. He left it all on the field.”
That was the closing remark to a presentation given recently by U.S. Congressman Brad Finstad, talking about Blair Nelson, a Waseca County advocate and County Commissioner, who died suddenly on May 30.
Two weeks ago, Finstad gave a one minute speech on the U.S. House floor honoring Nelson. On July 7, at 9 a.m. in the Waseca County East Annex Conference Room, Finstad recited the speech he gave, as well as talked briefly on his experience working with Nelson.
“I am honored to be here to celebrate a great man. I think about the first time I met Blair,” Finstad said. “I remember him shaking my hand with his big meat paw hands and big strong arm. He put me at comfort right away.”
Throughout the address, Finstad focused on Nelson’s commitment to Waseca County, as well as his kind-hearted nature.
“Right away I could sense his love of the county, love of our great state, love of southern Minnesota,” Finstad said. “When you’re in politics, a lot of times you’re just prepared to get into this verbal punching match. With him it was a big smile and it just puts you at ease. … That to me is what I strive to do and I think that’s the beauty that we all can take from his great life and his commended service.”
Finstad then recited the speech he gave on the U.S. House floor before presenting a written copy to both the Waseca County Commissioners and Deanne Nelson, Blair’s wife.
“Blair’s big personality, sense of humor, and positive spirit made him a friend to many. All across Southern Minnesota,” Finstad said, becoming emotional. “He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, coach, mentor, and friend. He will truly be missed.”
The presentation was not only given to the county commissioners, but many members of Nelson’s family were in attendance and had the opportunity to talk with the congressman following his remarks.
“He would be so incredibly honored and amazed at the outpouring of love and support that we have received,” Deanne said. “I know that Blair has touched a lot of lives and it is just really very kind to be represented in such a fine way.”
The speech also touched the members of the Waseca County Board of Commissioners, who spoke about the inspiration they got from Blair and the type of friend and mentor he was.
“It was very impressive. It was really nice. It was really nice to see Mr. Finstead here to bring the flag and what he had presented at the Capitol and to read the message that he had put together. It was really a heartwarming presentation,” Commissioner Brad Krause of District Five said.
“It was both painful and, and wonderful. We miss him terribly … but this honor was just very sweet and wonderful for his family and for Waseca County,” Commissioner De Malterer of District Four said.
Nelson always felt that advocacy at the state and federal level was an essential part of his service, and the commissioners agreed this presentation served as both a nice reminder of that, as well as inspiration to do the same.
“This showed how much he was involved at the state and federal level … it gives me inspiration to, to follow in his footsteps, to be active at the state level, be active at the federal level,” Commissioner Doug Christopherson of District One said.
“His famous line was, you’re either at the table or you’re lunch,” Malterer said. “We better be at the table eating lunch instead of being lunch.”
To his family, the speech served as a rare opportunity to come together and learn about the work Nelson did as a county commissioner, which he wasn’t often vocal about in his private life.
“It’s just incredible. The amount of people that he has touched is just absolutely incredible,” Deanne said. “I would just say the outpouring of love and support is remarkable and how much we appreciate that, the whole family. And having Congressman Finstad here is beyond an honor.”
