Gary Jon Milton Nelson

Gary was born on November 28, 1952 in Grand Forks, ND, the seventh child of LeRoy E. Nelson and Beulah (Ulvedal) Nelson. He attended Belmont Elementary, South Junior High and graduated from Grand Forks Central High in 1970. He married Barb Lanes Peterson and together for 16 years, they raised two wonderful children, son Ryan Nelson (Kris) of Westminster, CO and daughter Katie Mitchell (Lou) of Highlands Ranch, CO.

Gary had a big heart and was always willing to help others. He loved his children and enjoyed celebrating their successes. He loved his friends and considered them a part of the family. Always smiling and/or talking, he never was at a loss for words; he always greeted others with his smile and beautiful blue eyes and had many who called him friend. He was always proud of being a North Dakotan but never wanted to move back, because of the winters. He was a companion and handyman for his special friend and partner, Nancy Hicks. And they were together for 17 years, they had many good times entertaining and enjoying friends, and family. Gary worked in sales for most of his life. He was the General Manager and Vice President of A.E.R., Inc. for many years. As a hobby, he loved to work on and rebuild classic cars. Motor sports were a love which included, NASCAR racing and going to the races. He truly enjoyed bringing both kids to all things, especially the race track.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Donald Paul Nelson and brother-in-law, James Dunn. He is survived by Nancy Hicks, his son: Ryan, daughter-in-law, Kris and two grandchildren; Kennedy Nelson, and Jack Nelson, his daughter, Katie, son-in-law Lou Mitchell, and grandson, Joey Mitchell Brother: Tom (Joy) Nelson, Gold Canyon, AZ. Sisters: Gayle (Jerome) Birkeland, Crookston, MN, Maureen (Ordean) Jacobson, Fargo, ND, Sandra (Jo) Dunn, Grand Forks, ND, and Kathleen “Tootsie”, (Gino) Gasparini, Grand Forks, ND. Sister-in-law: Cathy Nelson, North Oaks, MN, Special friends: Doug and Sheila Iszler.

Family services will be held at a later date, with interment in Grand Forks, ND. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.allnuttftcollins.com for the Nelson family.