Ronald Nelson

Minot

Ronald M. Nelson, 82, Minot and formerly of Stanley died peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2025 at a Minot hospital with his family at his side.

Ronald Martin Nelson was born on Oct. 11, 1942 in Stanley to Eddie and E. Adele (Jacobson) Nelson. He was raised and educated in Stanley and graduated from Stanley High School in 1960.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Oct. 7, 1960 and served aboard the USS Vulcan until his honorable discharge as a Supply Clerk Seaman (E3) on Oct. 10, 1963.

He returned to North Dakota and married Claudette Charnetzki on Nov. 15, 1964 at Hope Lutheran Church in Coulee, ND. They made their home in Tioga and at the Glasgow Air Force Base prior to moving to Minot in 1974.

He was employed in civil service at the Minot Air Force Base from 1974 until 1997 as a boiler operator. Ron enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1976 and served until his retirement in 1997.

Most recently, Ron was employed by PM Service Company as a boiler operator at the Minot Air Force Base for several years.

Ron was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Minot and the American Legion Post in Tioga. He was a former member of the Eagles Aerie, Moose Lodge and the ND Army National Guard Enlisted Persons Association.

He especially enjoyed woodworking, pinochle, dart league, casino trips and volunteer work but was passionate about his grandchildren.

Ron ‘s loving family includes his wife of 60 years: Claudette; children: Brad Nelson (Heather Geyman) and Bruce Nelson all of Minot and Ronette (Tommy) of Savage, Minn.; grandchildren: Mikhail Nelson, Alexis Nelson, Nick (Shelby) Stein, Jesse Nelson, Tori Stein, Ashton Nelson, and Brock Nelson; great-grandchild: Evelynn Nelson; step-grandchildren: Mason Totall, Ryan (Peityn) Totall, Patrick Wessen; siblings: Dale (Marlys) Nelson of Towner, Betty Clark of Powers Lake and Judy (Bruce) Leier of Bismarck; brother-in-law: George Moe and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Shirley (Paul) Schumacher, Gerald (JoAnn) Nelson and Debbie Moe.

Celebration of the Life of Ron Nelson: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 10 a.m. in Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

A livestream of the service may be viewed by using the link in the website obituary.

Interment will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials are preferred to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery – rural Mandan.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 30, 2025.