Robert Harold Nelson
Robert
(Bob) Nelson, 82 of Billings, slipped from earth to be with His
Lord, Thursday evening, March 4, 2010 at the Billings Health and
Rehabilitation Community, his family by his side.
Bob was born on Nov.1, 1927 in Winnett, MT, a son of Roland and Helen (Hanson) Nelson. Bob grew up on family farms in the Broadview / Molt area. At an early age Bob joined the Navy and served in both World War II and the Korean War. He was particularly proud of his service aboard the USS Richmond. After leaving the Navy, Bob returned to Billings and worked for Briggs Distributing. He then began a career as a "heavy equipment operator and mechanic for construction projects throughout the Western United States, working for companies such as Long Construction, Empire Sand and Gravel and Peter Kiewitt until retirement.
On May 29, 1949, he married his soul mate of 57 years, Florence Hart Nelson (1/1/1928 to 2/18/2006) and of this union, six children were born.
Bob loved his wife, children and grandchildren and delighted in being quite a prankster with them,(Oh, the stories we could tell).. Bob had so many friends .in Bozeman, MT and Billings; and never met a person he did not like and befriend. He was active in the VFW Post 6774 in Billings Heights, and served them well. Bob was famous for his BBQ ribs, big smoker and his very secret BBQ Sauce recipe that no one could get out of him. He loved tinkering with cars and trucks and would not turn an old beater down if offered to him. Bob could always breathe some more life into anything. Bob loved all animals and could always talk Florence into "just one more".
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Stanza, a sister Ruby, a brother, Walter, his son Ron Nelson; a grandson, Christopher Diehl and a granddaughter, Kari Lynn Campbell.
He is survived by a sister, Vivian Fitch of Billings; a brother, Gordon Nelson of Livingston, a niece, Mary Jane Schniedt of Molt, MT, a son, Lonnie Nelson (Irene) of Billings, 3 daughters, Vicki C. Bennetts (David) of Montezuma, IA; Patti Nelson (Jack Bawden) and Kathi Diehl (Martin Williams) of Billings and Kay Adams (Larry) of Laurel, MT, a daughter-in-law, Barb Nelson of Billings, as well as grandsons Ryan Diehl, Robert Johnston, Craig Nelson, Jon Adams IV, Andrew Adams; granddaughters Katie
Adams, Ashley Diehl (John Balajadia), and 3 great grandchildren; Bailey Johnston, Matao Marshall and Zachary Nelson.
A special THANK YOU and GOD BLESS to the staff at the Billings Health and Rehabilitation Community for the care and love they provided for this very special man, Loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Friend. Our family could not have done it without you.
Cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M Monday, March 8th at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park with a luncheon following at VFW Post 6774,673 Anchor St., Billings, MT.
Memorials are suggested to the VFW Post 6774, or the Billings Animal Shelter, 1735 Monad Rd., Billings, MT 59101, or the charity of your choice.
Cards may be sent to Kay Adams, 15 Beartooth Way, Laurel, MT 59044.
Remembrances
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