John Norman Nelson, a longtime resident of Miles City, passed away on October 22, 2016.
John was born April 20, 1930 in Churchs Ferry, North Dakota to Theodore and Lauraine (Wiemer) Nelson. He was always proud he was born on Easter Sunday. John graduated from high school in Leeds, North Dakota and spent several years farming in the Leeds area.
John served in the Army National Guard in North Dakota between 1950 and 1953. John was called to active service in January 1951 and was sent to Korea with the 306th Engineer Company where he earned the Korean Service Medal, the UN Summer-Fall Offensive and the Second Korean Winter Decorations. John was honorably discharged from active service on September 1952.
John married Grace Lybeck in August 1953 and from that union six children were born: Pam, Penny, Jim, John Jr., Paula and Tom. They were divorced in 1968 and in 1970 John made his home in Miles City. On December 11, 1972 he married Everal Rasmussen in Miles City adding Jack, Denise and Wade to his family. John supported his family as a heavy equipment operator and worked for E. H. Oftedahl for more than 20 years with much of this time commuting between Miles City and Colstrip.
John was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1579 in Miles City where he proudly served on the honor guard for some years. If you couldn’t find John playing cards at the VFW he was often shooting pool with his friends Jim Sappe, Duane Wellnitz and the rest of the pool players at post 1579.
John was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Tyler Williams and granddaughter Hallie Hendrickson. He is survived by his wife Everal of Miles City, brother Ted (Sandy) of Freemont, CA; daughters: Pam Nelson of Billings, MT; Penny (John) Brandt of Bozeman, MT; and Paula (Wade) Hendrickson of Cando, ND; sons: Jim (Terri) of Steilacoom, WA; John Jr. and Tom both of Yakima, WA; step daughter Denise (Tom) Kane and two step sons Jack Rasmussen and Wade (Connie Follmer) Rasmussen all of Billings, MT; twenty grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
John was an intensely proud, yet humble man; always with a kind word and a special kind of wit all his own. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. John touched the lives of many. Always in our hearts, John is loved and will be greatly missed by his family and his numerous friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in Johns name to the Miles City V.F.W. Post 1579, 119 N. 6th Street, Miles City, MT. 59301 or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 26, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 26, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Wednesday October 26, 2016
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 26, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 26, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Wednesday October 26, 2016
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT
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Alvin and Barb Hirsch says
So sorry for your loss.Will keep your family in my prayers.
Sincerely Alvin and Barb Hirsch
Linda & RIchard Meidinger says
Sorry for your loss. Glad we got to see him when we were in the rehab unit of the hospital this spring. We remember having so much fun with you two when we used to bowl in Miles City. May he rest in peace and may your great memories help you through this difficult time. Hugs and prayers. Linda & RIchard Meidinger
Bert Rickman says
Everal, so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers.
Michelle Simpson says
Everal, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Jim and Michelle Simpson
Carol Larson says
Everal and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. John was a quiet man but so nice. I always appreciated it when he shoveled my sidewalk. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shelah Shilts says
Everal and family,
My thought and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Love you!
Shelah
Kathy Garrett says
I can still hear Grampa John’s voice. What a huge k loss to the whole family. I am so sorry but I know he is at peace now. I love you all and wish I could be there for you to lean on. It is very hard to lose a parent and I pray you kids will find some solace in all the people who loved your Dad. As it is also hard to lose your lifelong partner Everal please draw on the strength from everyone around you. Will be thinking of you all. Hugs all around!!
Bill Gierke says
Everal, I am so happy I stopped to see you and John this past summer. John is probably at the 4 B’s in the sky drinking coffee with Milt, Gerhard and my Dad. He is at rest now and his pain is gone. Prayers for you and John’s family.
Leslie Manning says
Great guy he will be missed prayers for you and your family
Donna Gall says
Everal & family, My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Hazel Stabler says
Everal, I am so sorry for your loss. Keep the good memories going.
Stephani Schumacher-Collins says
Everal, Wade, Dee, Jack & family, I am sorry to hear of Johns passing. There are a lot of people keeping you in their hearts today and in the future. Hugs to you all.
Stephani Schumacher-Collins
Kathie Gierke Zoller says
Everal, I am so sorry for your loss. In my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Kathie
Ken Kost says
Mom – I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. May God rest his soul and be with you and your family to comfort you and heal your pain. My deepest condolences.
Take care dear one!
Kenny
James L. Arneson says
I am sorry to hear of John passing. I remember being at your home when I was younger with jack. May God comfort you at this time of loss.
Bill And jody Wallick says
We are sorry to hear of John”s passing Everal. Our prayers are with you.
Jay Nunn says
Everal, god bless you and your family, I’ll miss John, he was a good friend.
Ervin and Janice Laib says
Everal and family, we are very sorry for your loss our many prayers and thoughts are with you God bless all of you