Alan Ragnar Nelson

Alan Ragnar Nelson, 79, passed away at his home in Asheville, North Carolina, on the morning of Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Alan was born to Edith Alice Olson and Ragnar Nelson in Chicago on May 9, 1945. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago and played an active role in the city’s Swedish immigrant community, helping out in his parents’ travel agency. As a young man, he moved to Seattle, Washington and met the love of his life, Beverly Ann Meier. He spent his career in law enforcement, where he worked for the federal government, as a private detective, and as a Special Agent for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (where he also volunteered as an instructor for Operation Lifesaver, a rail-safety education organization).

Alan was well-known for his love of sailing, mystery novels (particularly of the Nordic noir genre), and history – especially of the Vikings. Alan was a natural storyteller, having written, among other things, an unpublished novel loosely based on his experiences as a railroad cop. For those lucky enough to have shared a cup of coffee with him (and, of course, the obligatory pastry), he loved to regale family and friends with family history, anecdotes, and his youthful adventures on the South Side of Chicago.

He is survived by his wife, Bev, his daughter, Julie, his son-in-law, Kyle, his son, David, and his son-in-law, Philip. A memorial service will be held privately for his close friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Southern Poverty Law Center are encouraged.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.