William "Bill" Owen Nelson

He was born on May 16, 1954, in Needles, CA. to Lee Hume and Wanda Black. In October 1957, Bill was adopted into the Nelson family by Phil and Letha Nelson, from Fremont, NE. They moved to Longmont, CO. in 1959.

Bill was confirmed into the First Lutheran Church. His education included Central Elementary School, Longs Peak Jr. High (Middle) School, and Longmont High School where he graduated in 1972. Bill also attended College in Greeley, CO. at the University of Northern Colorado.

Growing up Bill worked at the family store, Big R. where he became Vice President of Operations. Afterwards he went into real estate Starting Bill’s Investments and Nelson Real Estate. He was semi-retired from real estate at the time of his passing. Bill is a veteran, serving in the Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1974.

On September 24, 1977 Bill married his soulmate, Shelly M. Pepper-Nelson. They had two daughters, Marissa, 39, and Myriah, 34. In 1993 Bill and Shelly moved to Hygiene, CO. Where they built their dream home.

Bill joined the Hygiene Volunteer Fire Department and eventually became Fire Chief before retiring from the department in 2011. Bill was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He grew up as a member of the original Cocklebur Country Club (Lake Macintosh) and had the pleasure of sharing that experience with his children, with summers full of boating, tubing, skiing and camping. Bill was very outgoing and loved exploring and going on adventures, which included taking his family on vacations. He also really enjoyed spending time with his grandsons Jaden, 12, Liam, 8, and Logan, 8. And teaching the eldest, Jaden, gun safety and shooting. Bill always had the ability to make anyone smile and will be missed by many.

He is survived by his two daughters, Marissa Nelson and Myriah Nelson. His three grandsons, Jaden Nieto and twins Liam and Logan Nelson. His two brothers, Michael Nelson and Randy Wagner. His sister Debbie “Kay” Carlson. Along with multiple surviving cousins, nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Phil and Letha Nelson. His wife Shelly M. Pepper-Nelson. His brother Stanley “Doug” Wagner and his sister Donna J. Loveridge.

A Memorial Service for Bill will be held Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 at 10:30am at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, with a reception to immediately follow. Memories and condolences may be shared at ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.