Gerald "Jerry" George Nelson

Jerry's Memorial Service will be livestreamed here: https://vimeo.com/event/3633363

His tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/WZ8G7NM339M87X2Y

Gerald George Nelson, 85, of Fargo, ND, died Thursday, August 3rd, 2023, at Bethany Homes in Fargo under the care of Hospice, surrounded by family, Hospice, and Bethany staff. Gerald was born in Gwinner, ND, on February 19th, 1938, to Cecil and Frances (Miller) Nelson. He grew up in Gwinner and moved to Texas briefly, but returned to Fargo and graduated from Fargo Central High School. He served in the army until 1956, when he became extremely ill and unable to continue serving. He went on to work in the grocery industry until becoming a self-employed professional painting contractor, often working beside his older brother, Kenneth Nelson and longtime friends. He attended college briefly at NDSU and finally retired in his 70s due to disabilities that arose from his service in the army.

He married Janice Irene Thompson on February 19th, 1963. They had three children, Pamela Jane (Nelson) Kinslow, Jeffrey Craig Nelson, and Lara LeAnn (Nelson) Danielson.

He held memberships at the Elks Club, Moose Club, and Sons of Norway and was a generous donator to many causes related to military vets. His hobby for many years was fishing, and he shared this hobby with many friends and family members until he met his longest fishing partner, MaryAnn Vise whom he lived life with until her passing in 2008.

He is survived by his children, Pamela and Lara; brother, Kenneth (Jean); five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; step-children, Rick (Sue) Vise, Jim Vise, and Kathy (Steve) Soffett; step-grandchildren; along with his cherished fur baby, Amber (Honey Bunny).

He was preceded in death by his son, parents, sister Dianne, brother Doug, and sister Gloria.