Terry Gene Nielsen, 71, of Fallon, passed away on October 10, 2017.
Terry was born Jan. 4, 1946 to Elmer and Agnes (Becker) Nielsen in Plentywood, MT. His older sister, Marlene, is married to Allen Bummer and farm west of Reserve, MT. Terry grew up on a farm 20 miles south of Plentywood and attended Rock Springs, a country school only two miles from his home. He graduated from Medicine Lake High School in 1964 and attended college at MSU in Bozeman. He later enlisted in the Army National Guard.
On March 6, 1969 following a snow storm, Terry married Eileen Carolyn Granning at Flaxville, MT. Terry had to ride a saddle horse to his brother-in-law’s place before the wedding in order to get to town and get the marriage license. After they were married they farmed and ranched west of Reserve, MT. In 1990, they moved their four children (Sharla, Christa, Wade and Will) along with their herd of cattle and horses to the Cabin Creek community in Prairie County.
Helping neighbors with everything from cattle work to fixing equipment and electrical, Terry always had time for others. He had a way with horses and was a natural mechanic, he could fix anything. Terry loved to visit, often being the last to leave any gathering.
He was a life-long learner and a progressive producer, never afraid to try something new. In 1985, Terry & Eileen were one of the founding members of the Montana Select Paint & Quarter Horse Sale which operated for over a decade. Recently, they started a new venture with their sons, raising Irish Black & Red cattle. Terry served as a Director of the Mon-Dak Quarter Horse Association and later the Terry Roping Club. He was an active 4-H leader in Daniels and Prairie Counties. As Chairman of the Prairie County Fair Board for many years, he spent countless hours alongside fellow board members and volunteers making lasting improvements to the fairgrounds.
To Terry, family always came first. No matter how busy he was, he always made time for his children and their families.
Terry is survived by his wife Eileen (Granning) Nielsen, their children: Sharla married to Bob Sackman, Christa married to Morris VanDyke, Wade Nielsen married to Lorelei (Utgaard), Will Nielsen married to Jennifer (Graham); 9 grandchildren; his sister, Marlene married to Allen Bummer; and several nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be from 10a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2017 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry. A funeral service will be held at the Prairie County Fairgrounds in Terry, MT at 2pm on Monday, October 16 with a reception to follow at the American Legion. A private burial will be held at the ranch.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Prairie County 4-H Council or Prairie County Fair.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday October 16, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday October 16, 2017
Prairie County Fairgrounds
Terry, Montana 59349
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Delite & Darren says
Words cannot express how sorry we are that Terry is gone. He was a great neighbor and had that quiet yet quick sense of humor that I appreciated.
Bruce Smith says
We lost a good one way too soon.
Jamie & Trent Hess says
To the Nielsen Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. The time and memories of a life that was so dear will help you get through the 1sts of many you will have. Prayers to you all
Jamie
DeLynn and Angie Meidinger says
Eileen and families:
We were so shocked to hear of Terry’s passing! DeLynn saw him just a couple of days ago. He had a nice visit with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
DeLynn and Angie Meidinger
Lee and Cam LaBree says
We are sorry for your loss. Sending our prayers of comfort for your family.
Lee &Cam LaBree
Dawn Olson says
Thoughts and prayers to your family. Sorry for your loss
Arlen And Alice Miller says
Eileen and family: Words can”t express the loss. We always enjoyed our visits with Terry, Hold dear to the memories you have ,Our Prayers go out to you all . God be with you all.
Brad and Jody Haidle says
So very sorry to hear about Terry. He raised wonderful children. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his children, their spouses, grandchildren and wife, Eileen. Hold on to the wonderful memories!
Jim & Marj Anderson says
Cherish your memories of such a great guy. He will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Andrea Miller says
Prayers go out to the Nielsen Family during this difficult time.
Greg and Cindy Ban says
Our thought and prayers go out to you. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
Duane Lassle says
So sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. What an awesome man. Prayers for the family
Aaron and Mollie Phipps and family says
we are so sorry for your loss. May time and the love of Jesus ease the aches in your hearts, and your memories never fade.
Burt, Monique, Kael, and Isis Keltner says
Thank God we all had a chance to know Terry. He is an amazing soul.
Kevin and Toni Kalfell says
So very sorry to see that Terry has left this Earth. He was always such a gentleman with a quiet sense of humor. Terry and Eileen raised a wonderful family. Eileen and family, keep all the precious memories close to your heart and he will be with you always. Our most sincere condolences!
Jesse Galland says
My deepest condolences go out to your family which has always been kind to my family and myself. I wish you comfort in this time of hardship.
Marilyn May & Jim May says
Dearest Eileen and family,
We send your our sincerest love and sympathy in your
great loss of such a wonderful man. May God give you His peace and comfort.. so sorry
Pam Fortune Dale says
Eileen and family
My deepest sympathies to you. He was quit the guy.
He will be missed by many.
Barb and Jerry Smalis says
Terry was an amazing person. We were blessed to have known him. May God grant peace and healing to his wonderful family during this time of great sorrow.
Heather Moon says
Jolie’s & my deepest sympathy. Terry will always be known as “one of the good guys!” His friendship, generosity and high standards in life make him unforgettable. He has stamped his special brand for us to remember by always giving a hand to neighbors, the community as a whole and definitely to 4-H. He will truly be missed and never be able to be replaced.
Norman & Vonnie Shannon says
We are so sorry to hear about Terry. We send our sympathy to all of his family.
Norman & Vonnie Shannon
Duncan & Melanie Hedges says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Terry’ s family and friends.
Sandra Grue says
Terry always was one of few words but made things happen and function at 4-H fair. His contribution to the community will be greatly missed. We were blessed to know him. Our heart aches for you with his passing. Prayers for your family.
Ted & Norma Nielsen says
Ted & Norma Nielsen
So sad to hear about Terry’s passing, but glad he got to live out his dream. His ranch, and his family around him to share it with. God Speed
Troy and JoDee Hess says
Thoughts and prayers to you all!
Trisha Feiring says
I don’t know if you remember me or not. I’m Tim Madison’s granddaughter. Terry and Eileen bought a paint mare from my grandpa Tim many years ago. I used to show in the northeast Montana quarter horse shows. I just wanted to send you a quick note and let you know that your family is in my prayers. Terry was such a nice man.
Martha Klaumann says
Eileen,
Sending hugs to you from across Montana! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Troy and JoDee Hess says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Glenna Bestland Wood says
I am so very sorry of the passing of Terry. He treated his horses like he did his family and friends! Loving and Caring!!! I loved the way he trained his horses. They were trained so well and I never seen any fear in them. They also loved his kindness. I was very lucky to be apart of the Paint and Quarter Horse Sales with him and Eileen.. He helped keep us centered with soft and caring words. I haven’t seen him for many years but he will always be remembered!! My prayers go out to you Eileen and your beautiful children. Also Marlene and family!! There were so many people that loved him and his big grin!!! GOD BLESS you all!! I will keep you in my prayers!!! Love Glenna Bestland Wood and family!!!
Glenna Bestland Wood says
GOD BLESS YOU!!
Rick and Anena Anderson says
Eileen and family,
So sorry to hear of Terry passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! May God comfort you through these difficult days!
Shelley Mills says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. So very sorry for your loss.
Dave and Pat Dagenhart says
So sorry for the loss of this good man, he meant so much to so many. praying for all of you through this loss. Dave and Pat Dagenhart
Jim & Elaine Clark says
Our sympathies to Terry’s family. We enjoyed our visits and know he will be greatly missed.
George and Eileen Klisis says
Our sympathies to all of you. We will miss Terry, he was a wonderful person, a real cowboy.
George and Eileen Klisis says
Our thoughts and prayers are going your way. We will miss Terry, he was a real cowboy. Loved his hardy laugh!
Tudy Nielsen McNeil says
To Terry’s family: What a legacy Terry has left. Not just for all of you, but for the whole community. Reading the thoughts of everyone, you will have many who will strengthen you in these days. Your loss is their loss. He will surely be remembered and missed. Our memorial is a contribution to the Prairie County 4-H Council.
We wish you peace. Tudy (Nielsen) and Mac McNeil, El Dorado Hills, California
Shari Bolstad says
Eileen and family. I am so very sorry to hear of Terry’s passing away. He never failed to amaze me with his knowledge of horse behavior. He treated people and animals with the same kindness and undivided attention. Terry was an exceptional man and will be missed by all who knew him! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Pearl & Mark Swank, Lois Weber says
Eileen and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Avice & Ivan Hoff says
We are saddened and shocked to learn of Terry’s passing. He leaves a wonderful legacy for so many to take forth. As many have written, he will truly be missed in so many endeavors.
Jim and Margaret Joyce says
Dear Will and Jennifer and family.
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, Will. We pray for you and your family.
Kahner VanDyke says
My thoughts and prayers to the Nielson family. Terry, you will be missed. My memories spent with him on the ranch will be cherished.
Myrt Overby says
A lot of the times the good go on before us! Curt and Terry will ride and rope together now. Really enjoyed knowing Terry. Theirs was the first house that Curt took me to for visiting ! Great times with those people!
Lisa Swenson Lowery says
I am so sorry for your loss, your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May your happy memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. I have fond memories of riding the range with you all, even in the rain. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do.
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
We were so shocked and saddened to learn of Terry’s passing. Our hearts and heartfelt prayers go out to Eileen, their children and wonderful families. Terry represented all that is good in a cowboy and a small rural community, loved his family and stepped up and took action to make his community a better place. We have a lot to learn from Terry and will surely miss him, too.
Bill and Linda Cobban says
Sorry to here of Terry’s passing. Our prayers go to Terry’s family.. Thoughts and prayer’s to Marlene and Allen. Sorry we can’t be with you at this time.
Megan Fudge Emmons says
What a kind and caring person he was. I am thankful to have called him my friend. I am sending love and prayers of comfort to all of his family.
Jake & Bree Poppe says
The Lord gained a great man here. Godspeed to you all, Terry was and will always be an incredible friend and neighbor to us. Always gracious, incredibly selfless, dedicated to the ranching industry and the producers within it. We will miss his beaming smile, feel fortunate we got to ship cattle out of Cedar Creek with him this week, he was full of stories and great help as always. Sending prayers, love and any support we could be to you all at any time, please don’t hesitate. -The Poppe’s
Gary and Susie (Yoder) Hanson says
We extend our deepest sympathy to you, Eileen, and your entire family. May God bless you and give you comfort and peace as you face the days ahead.
Leona Callahan says
Prayers for the families. He’s in Gods hands now.
Mary Snell says
Eileen
Thoughts and prayers to you and family. Praying you look to the Lord to wrap his loving arms around you to help you through this difficult time.
Jere and Jeannine Freiboth says
Eileen and families, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Terry was a true gentleman and gentle cowboy. My dad had this quote on his wall for years: “When they lay me down to rest, put my spurs and rope upon my chest, get my friends to carry me and then go turn my horses free”. RIP Terry.
Debbie Weyer says
I was shocked to hear this. May God wrap his loving arms around you all during your difficult time. “DEATH leaves a heartache no one can heal, LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal”.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
So sorry to read about Terry’s passing. We always enjoyed you folks at the dances. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sherry and Arvid Corneliusen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Terry’s family. Sorry to hear of his passing. Cherish the memories.
Arvid and Sherry Corneliusen
Lynette and Dwight Tague says
May you all be comforted by the memories of your Dad/husband. He raised an awesome family who will continue his legacy. Our sincerest condolences.
Delores Cameron says
Oh, My goodness, our sympathy goes out to you.
Lynette says
To the Family of Terry,I’m so sorry for the death of your loved one.Death is so painful . The Bible tells us of a time in the future when death will be no more. Revelation 21:3,4.We know this to be true for God cannot lie. I hope this Hope for the future brings you comfort .
Brenda Witkowski says
Sharla,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers!!
Shane and Tylene Eaton and Family says
Last fall, while Terry was round penning a filly for Molly to observe and learn what to do for her 4H project, we noticed how that horse really had to earn even the slightest pet from Terry! It was effective enough, that the horse eventually came back for more! So when we work with her now, we call it the “Terry pet!” Terry was the true definition of a cowboy and he has raised an amazing family while doing so! God sure is lucky to have Terry up there to gather the remuda!
Larry Keltner says
A double good Feller for sure. Great with a story or yarn, full laugh and such a rich, deliberate voice. Absolute advocate for his family, friends, Prairie County, and the livestock industry. Our community was really fortunate to have the Nielsen Family added to our midst. I will always remember many springs with Terry’s big hand resting, slightly squeezing, on my shoulder as I am either wrestling or cutting calves and his other hand holding a just used branding iron to take full advantage of my attention to poke me a tad about some tremendously funny occurrence that had just happened. 😉 Happy Trails Terry, LK
Ty Gaub says
Eileen and family – My condolences to you and your family. Terry will be greatly missed. Both you and Terry have been great neighbors to my parents Harold and Judy Gaub throughout the years and were always there when they needed a hand or a laugh. Your family was there during the difficult times and during the good times. Your family truly defines what having great neighbors is all about!