Ron James "RJ" Nelson, age 79, of Grand Forks, ND passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Aneta Parkview Hospital in Aneta, ND.
Ron was born on September 24, 1937 in Grand Forks, ND to Lyle and Doris (Buck) Nelson. He graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1956. He spent his entire life in Grand Forks, ND.
On February 28, 1972, Ron married the love of his life, Armella Gawrylow. He had four sons, Jim, Tim, Steve, and Randy. His dogs, KC and Peaches, were also a big part of his family.
Ron worked as a line man for the railroad when he graduated from high school. He then went to work for the Grand Forks Fire Department for twelve years. After that, Ron went back to working for the railroad, first as a brake man and then later as a conductor, until his medical retirement in 1990. He was also a member of the Jaycee's.
Ron loved his boys and enjoyed going to the lake with them. He also liked to play around with CB radios and woodworking. Ron enjoyed visiting and learning about the West Coast. He was also a very good husband to Armella.
Ron is survived by his wife, Armella; his sons, Jim (Mo) Nelson of Thief River Falls, MN, Tim (Mary Sue) Nelson of Rockford, IL., Steve (Heidi) Nelson of Red Lake Falls, MN, and Randy (Crystal) Nelson of Jamestown, ND; grandchildren, David, Amanda, Reid, Tiffaney, Alexa, Derek, Garrett, Ian, and Cara; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Ryken, Wayne and Aubree; sisters, Diane (Bobby) Sedillo of Albuquerque, NM, and Marijo (Dave) DeMott of Bismarck, ND; and nieces and nephews; Robert and Kirk Sedillo, April and Tami DeMott.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Doris Nelson; and his brother, Bobby Nelson.
There will be a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2017 with a visitation one hour prior to service at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN. Interment will be at Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston, MN in the spring.
"Rest honey, I will see you later."
Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral & Cremation Service 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716
Previous Events
Service
Saturday, February 11, 2017
2:00 PM
Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home and Cremation Service
615 South Minnesota Street
Crookston, MN 56716
Visitation one hour prior to service