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Jan. 30, 1963-Oct. 10, 2026
Minot/Sawyer
It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Evangelist Wade Nelson, 63, Sawyer whose address changed to Heaven on Saturday, October 10, 2026 when he was stricken with an apparent heart attack at his brother's home near Surrey.
Wade Anthony Nelson was born on January 30, 1963 in Minot, ND to Michael and Audrey (Barsness) Nelson. He was proud to have been raised in seventeen different places where his father was employed by the Army Air Force Exchange Service. He graduated from London Central High School in London, England in 1981. He continued his education at the College of the Redwoods in Eureka, CA and Cottonwood School of Ministry in Los Alamitos CA. Wade was once married to Cathy Beach. They are the parents of Brittany and Michael and resided in Lakewood, California.
Wade married Karla Bertsch MacIver on February 20, 2016 at Northland Harvest Church in Minot.
They made their home in Sawyer, ND where Wade served a number of churches in the area as Pastor, Children's Minister and Youth Pastor. Also, he was a campus pastor, development and executive director and volunteer. He was recently attending West Minot Church of God.
Wade possessed a vast array of knowledge, skills and expertise across many fields. His experience included evangelism, construction, property management and in the petroleum industry as well as coaching sports. Throughout his varied career, he drew upon his abilities, practical knowledge and dedication to make a difference in the many areas in which he served. Wade used his talents to help others, serve his faith, mentor young people or provide for his family. His diverse background reflected his versatility, resourcefulness and willingness to take on new challenges.
Wade completely loved his life and would often share that. He also enjoyed sports (football), woodworking, poetry, music, creating personalized songs, traveling, fixing up his property in Alaska, family gatherings and spending time with his children, stepchildren and grandchildren. Wade's true mission and passion in life was sharing the Gospel with the lost and encouraging believers in their walk. He knew this life is all about Jesus and told anyone who would or wouldn't listen. He truly cared about their eternal destination.
Wade's loving family includes his wife of 10 years: Karla; children: Brittany (Austin) Mueller and Michael Nelson; stepchildren: Dakota (Kami) MacIver, Sheyenne (Myles) Hanson and MacKinzy (Levi) Michael; Fourteen Grandchildren: Haydon, Mylton, Stetson, Bodon and Quinton Hanson, Lucille, Leah, Louisa and Linda MacIver, Jeremiah, Autumn and Elijah Mueller, Mabel Ann Michael, and Baby Beautiful Michael arriving April 2027. Mother: Audrey Nelson; siblings: Debra (Ernest) Gutierrez, Jeffrey (Connie) Nelson and Kevin Nelson; Mother-in-law: Janet Bertsch; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Wade was preceded in death by his father: Michael; father-in-law: John Bertsch and a miscarried child.
Celebration of the Life of Evangelist Wade Nelson: Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in Journey Church, Minot. A livestream of the service may be viewed by using the link in the website obituary.
A private interment will take place at a later date.
Visitation: Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Journey Church. A private prayer service will follow the visitation.
Memorials are preferred to YWAM (Youth with a Mission), YFC (Youth for Christ) or Advancing His Kingdom, ND.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamily funeralhome.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 14, 2026.