Robert "Bob" Alan Nelson

Robert (Bob) Alan Nelson, 57, of Fargo passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on July 6, 2017 at home. Funeral services will be held at First Lutheran Church, 619 Broadway, Fargo, ND at 2 p.m. Tuesday July 11, 2017. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery.
A Christmas present to his parents, Bob was born in Sioux Falls, SD on December 25, 1959 to Dorothy (Bentley) Nelson and Douglas Nelson. Due to his uniquely shared birthdate, Bob was featured in the local paper the following Christmas. As an infant the family moved to Red Wing, MN. At age 5 the family moved to Minnetonka, MN and spent a decade where he and his siblings enjoyed many childhood memories.
When Bob reached junior high he moved to Fargo, ND where he spent the rest of his life. He graduated from Fargo North High School and then graduated from NDSU with a BA which he used to become a professional photographer. Spending his career primarily as a sport photographer at NDSU, he captured NDSU athletes' greatest moments throughout the years.
He assisted at First Lutheran Church any way he could, including taking the photo of the Christmas display that would be featured for many years in the church’s postcards and reading cards.
He is remembered for his quirky sense of humor and his remarkable ability to quote Monty Python. His passion for aeronautics and space shown through - he was an avid fan of Star Wars and would never miss capturing the Air Show through the lenses of his camera. You could often find him at night capturing the stars. A patient and kind man, he took care of his father Douglas for years before his death that allowed his father to comfortably stay in their home instead of moving to assisted living.
He is survived by his mother Dorothy, his sister Cindy Nelson Purdy and her husband Al and his brother Jeff Nelson and his wife Colleen. Bob prided himself on being a doting uncle to his nieces & nephews; Jen, Becca, PJ, Megan and Zack along with grand-niece and nephews Henry, Tommy and Carly. Known as Unca Bob to all, he was fun, kind and patient. A special thanks to Craig and Char Maas for all their support. Bob will also be sorely missed by Murphy, his loving (and slightly neurotic) dog.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota ( www.epilepsyfoundation.org ) or 4 Luv of Dog Rescue ( www.4luvofdog.org ) - where he got his slightly neurotic dog. Please contact the family if you need additional details.
We also want to thank 911 for their speedy response and compassionate care. Special thanks to friends and neighbors for their support and kindness.