Nels Stanley Nelson Jr.

Nels Stanley Nelson Jr, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away on January 5, 2025 comfortably in his home surrounded by family. He was born in Karval, Colorado on September 16, 1935. He is the youngest of two children, born to the late Nels Stanley Nelson Sr and Inez Hazel Harris. He was the first man that ever loved us and he will always be cherished.

Stan graduated from Ordway High School in 1953 and held a variety of jobs, including the United States Army for just short of 2 years. He spent most of his career as a high school History teacher and Driver’s Education teacher. He started his career at Fowler High School, then Pueblo County High School, La Junta High School and retired from Widefield High School. While employed at Widefield School District #3, he coached football and wrestling. His devotion to sports allowed him to travel the world with The Olympic Wrestling Team. After working with the Olympic Wrestling team he was a high school wrestling referee. He spent several years helping shape young boys into the men they are today. Due to his dedication and work for the sport of wrestling he was inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame in May 2022.

Stan loved being involved and took advantage of all that life had to offer. In his life he was very involved in the rodeo world through competing in, watching them in person as well as on the TV thanks to the Cowboy Channel. He was a healer for many years and shared wonderful memories with several partners over this period of time. Through competitions he made lifelong friendships and fell in love with horses. This led him to be a member of the Pikes Peak Range Riders and the Pikes Peak Range Rider Pivots. Through this he made even more dear friends.

His ability to make everyone around him feel like they were the most important person in the room allowed us all to feel even more special in his presence. He was noticed whenever he walked into a room because of his vociferous personality. People revered him and his family loved him.

He leaves behind to remember in his memory his devoted children Robin Nelson and Kimberly (Mark) Davis as well as his sons Gifford (Elizabeth) Justice and Jimmy (Charlene) Nelson, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, soon to be 13. He is preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Nelson (1928-2020), his daughter, Deborah Costa (1955-2019), his sister, Evelyn, and his parents.

There will be a service at Pikes Peak National Cemetery February 28, 2025 at 11:00 am and a celebration of life to follow at the American Legion Post 38 located at 6685 Southmoor Dr, Fountain, CO 80817.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Pikes Peak Range Riders, PO Box 501, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901-0501. Please state in the memo line that the donation is for the Stan Nelson Memorial Fund. You can also visit the obituary online through Dove Witt.