Norval Dean “Bud” Nelson took the hand of Jesus to join his Holy Father in Heaven on September 1, 2016.
Bud Nelson was born on June 25, 1927 in Miles City, MT to Irvin Vick and Marion Yates. Marion and Irvin later divorced before Bud was born. Marion married Kelly Nelson on May 19, 1928. Kelly adopted Bud and his sister Irma. The Nelson’s lived at Rock Springs and Cohagen area while Kelly worked building bridges in Eastern Montana.
Bud attended school and graduated from Cohagen High School in 1946. He joined the U.S. Navy on February 17, 1948. After he was discharged from the Navy, he joined a seismograph crew in Hardin, MT. This is where he met Mary “Millie” Zier. They married on August 19, 1952 in Raton Pass, New Mexico. Bud and Millie lived throughout the United States while working with the seismograph crew.
In 1958 Bud and Millie moved to Jordan, MT where Bud started his plumbing business Nelson Plumbing and Heating, and brought modern plumbing to many families in Garfield County.
Bud loved the outdoors and one of his many passions was hunting and fishing. He had a love for horses and entered them in the endurance races in the Black Hills, Buckhorn, Wyoming, and Montana. He participated in the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive in 1989.
Bud loved to bike and was known for his hundred mile treks across Montana. His love of the outdoors brought him to the Bull Mountains where he took long walks and hikes. He lived off the grid in the Bull Mountains in his unique cabin.
On April 18, 1975, Bud was granted a new lease on life he joined AA. He was grateful for his 41 years of sobriety. He attended many AA conferences throughout MT and WY and sponsored many AA members.
Bud is survived by his three children, Rocky (Sharon) Nelson of Jordan; Bantam (Barb) Nelson of Rapid City; June (Curtis) Fillafer of Miles City; five grandchildren, Alicia Nelson, Erica Nelson of Billings, MT; David, John and Niko Herrera of Rapid City, S.D.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents Kelly and Marion Nelson; his sister Irma Koeble; Brother Bobby Nelson, His daughter Sandy, a grandson Kelly Dean; Nephew Steve Koeble; and a grandson Jeffrey Herrera.
The family would like to thank the staff at Garfield Community Health Center for the excellent care and love shown to Bud for the last 2 years.
Memorials may be made to the Jordan Swimming Pool, and to Garfield Community Endowment Fund.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the V.F.W. Hall in Jordan, MT. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Jordan are assisting the family in these arrangements.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Diane (Rath) Hewett says
Thinking of all of you as you mourn the loss of Bud. May you find strength and comfort in the days ahead from your friends, family and communities. God bless each of you and may Bud rest in peace.
Dolores H. steiner says
June, so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Martin and Dolores Steiner
Daniel & Audrey Guesanburu says
Rocky, June and Families, so sorry for the loss of Bud. Keeping you in our prayers.
Karen Barnes says
My deepest sympathy to all of Bud’s family – may all of your good memories help you through this time of grieving. God Bless you all.
Kathy Montgomery Gangner says
My heart goes out to you guys at this time. I really liked Bud and his chuckle. His cute grin will live forever in my mind. Good Bless You.
Susan ochs says
Sorry to hear about bud keeping you in my prayers
Debbie Weyer says
Digger, June & Rocky, So sorry for your loss. It is always hard to say goodbye to those we love. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal” author unknown. Let God’s love wrap his arms around you & guide you thru your grief.
Cindy Stanton says
Dearest June, Digger & Rocky & families,
My sincerest sympathy for the loss of Bud. He was a good neighbor to our family and an all around good guy. I loved his twinkling eyes when he would tease me when I was just a kid hanging around the house with June and Digger. He made such a positive impact on me and on the community. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace. Bud will be missed by many.
Jerry and Lori Murnion says
Bud will be missed by all, I really enjoyed all the fun times growing up and having Bud around, his many adventures with Grandpa Woodrow made for fun listening around the dinner table. My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you
Rhoda Hellyer Phillips says
Rhoda Hellyer Phillips:
Sorry for your loss. I knew Bud before he joined the Navy. He was a fun guy. When he first moved into the Health Center we used to have some good visits. It was nice to talk about some old times. God bless and comfort you at this time.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Sending Condolences and Prayers to all of Buds Family. May you find Comfort in all of your memories and in Gods Love..
Shirley South says
June, So sorry to hear about your dad. I remember when he brought you to our house in Jordan when you were just a few months old. He was sure proud of you. My prayers are with you at this time.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
To Buds Family,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father and grandpa, He was an excellent plumber and I am sure he had lots of stories to tell about his job. May you find comfort in all your wonderful memories. God Bless!
Glen and Teena Bollinger
Donna Gall says
sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. He and Al had good times together.
Charice Virag says
So sorry to hear of your papa passing away June. My prayers are with you and yours. Charice Virag
Cindy G says
So sorry for your loss, he will always have a special place in my heart! Thinking of you all…….
Gloria and DJ Milroy says
Most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to all of Bud’s loved ones. May your memories of good times be a comfort and may the Lord walk with each you. Holding you close in thought and prayer.
Patsy F. says
So sorry for your loss, didn’t no till today. May God Bless & hold you all