Gustavus Adolphus College

Chet Nelson rode the wave of gymnastics success at Gustavus in the 1930's. After following Milt and Bump Gabrielson from Minneapolis Roosevelt High School to Gustavus in 1934, Nelson was a key member of the 1937 squad that won the Northwest Area Championship. In 1938, Nelson distinguished himself as the first Gustie to participate in a national men's gymnastics meet, where he finished third in the all-around.

Since leaving Gustavus, Nelson has enjoyed a varied and interesting career path. After several years of teaching, Nelson served more than 25 years as chief of rehabilitation for the neurologic and psychiatric handicapped at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Minneapols. Nelson also spent 11 years on the physical education faculty of Augsburg College in Minneapolis. In his last position, Nelson worked as a rehabilitation consultant in Minneapolis. Nelson also served in the Air Force and Reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel after 35 years.

Chet and his wife, Elizabeth, have three married daughters: Jann, Lore, and Kris.