Floyd “Sonny” Carlyle Nelson, Jr.
Floyd “Sonny” Nelson, Jr., a lifelong rancher from the Tampico/Glasgow area, died of natural causes at his home the evening of April 25th, 2020, surrounded by his family. He was 85 years old.
Sonny was born on the Stensland homestead west of Glasgow on January 27, 1935, as the first of three children to Bertha (Stensland) and Floyd Nelson. He attended grade school in Tampico and graduated from the Glasgow High School in 1953.
While growing up on the family ranch, Sonny was always interested in breeding cattle and was very active in FFA and 4-H. He won a trip to Chicago with his 4-H Beef Project and traded 2 fat steers to Roy Jerome for a brand new Buick when he was a Senior in High School (try to do that today!)
Due to his interest in exotic cattle breeds, he started artificially inseminating in 1962; producing heifers that were sold at the National Chianina Sale in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as the National Western Simmental Sale in Denver. Through this selective breeding program he upgraded his herd to basically Purebred Simmental cattle. In 1973, Sonny consigned a 3/4 Simmental heifer to the Big Sky New Breeds Association Sale that sold for $12,500. At that time, not only was this the highest price paid for a single animal at the sale, it was the highest price ever paid for one animal in the 22 year history of the Glasgow Livestock Yard.
Sonny started selling yearling bulls to the ranchers along the Hi-Line in 1971. Since then he has sold bulls throughout the U.S. and Canada and has a long history of Spring Production Sales. This Thursday, April 30th, alongside a great set of bulls, there will be a lot of heavy hearts but many heartfelt, good memories shared at the Glasgow Stockyards during this year’s Spring Production Sale. Sonny and his brother Don, have continued to run the family ranch since 1981.
In 1956 Sonny married the love of his life, Deanna O’Neil. They spent 64 eventful and joyous years together and were blessed with four beautiful, thoughtful and accomplished daughters; who lovingly cared for their father and honored his last wish to be at home.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Bertha and Floyd Nelson; his sister, Beverly (Rollin) Pederson and son-in-law Bob Irwin.
He is survived by his wife Deanna; his four daughters: Jackee (Ron) Svien of Sacramento, Sally Irwin of Glasgow, Gina (Joe) Reyling of Glasgow and Theresa Nelson of Billings; his brother Donald (Sheila) of Glasgow; seven grandchildren: Jessica, Joey (Amali), Arielle Svien and Rosy, JoLynn, Mick and Matt Relying; five great-grandchildren: Connor, Olivia, Zander, Alexa and Elias; his brother-in-law Rollin Pederson, nephew Bill and niece Barbara Pederson; step-nephew Derek Schedel, step-nieces Tori Kaufman and Tara Pattison and numerous cousins and relatives.
Sonny was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, where he was baptized and confirmed. He was a member of the Montana and American Simmental Associations and enjoyed traveling the country to attend cattle sales. Sonny grew up in a close knit family and thoroughly enjoyed the many holiday and birthday parties (and the poker games!) celebrated with his Molvig, Kirkland, Flesjer and Nelson cousins. He enjoyed working livestock, farming, family and visiting with relatives and his many friends over a cup of coffee. Sonny’s bright smile, beautiful blue eyes and gentle spirit will be remembered and missed by all.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jeff Johnson and his staff at Internal Medicine Associates in Billings for the many years of dedicated medical care, as well as Dr. Fahlgren FMDH and RN Anthony Norcutt.
There will be an open viewing 12-5 on Thursday, May 14, and 8-12 on Friday, May 15, 2020. Family is planning a private burial. A funeral service will be announced for a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday May 14, 2020
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Viewing
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friday May 15, 2020
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday May 14, 2020
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Viewing
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friday May 15, 2020
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Ginny Schneider Beaudoin says
Deanna and girls, I send heartfelt sympathy to you all. Though I personally didn’t know Sonny, even living next door to you on 7th Ave.N, I would see him coming and going sometimes throughout the day. I know the heartache a family feels with the loss of a loved one and just want you to know I’m thinking of you.
Tim Connors says
Nelson’s,
Sure sorry to hear of the passing of Sonny. Faith, Memories, and Time seem to be the only healers in these times. Thoughts are with the family.
Dena Clowes Burt says
Dear Nelson family,
I was sad to read of Sonny passing. I grew up in the area and lived many years on the Tampico Road and belonged the Tampico Boys 4H Club. My memory of Sonny was his Cowboy persona. Did I ever see him without his cowboy hat? I learned even more about his life from his obituary. His family can be proud of having him be a part of Valley County History. May this COVID thing pass quickly so you can have a huge family gathering with all of the family. These times are tough but may your memories hold the family together.
Mike riley says
So sorry to hear of Sonnys passing. Are thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
Norm Braaten says
Nelson Family,
So very sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing. My Dad and Mom spoke so very fondly of the Nelson family and all they did for my Dad. Sonny was so much a part of the Tampico community. Thoughts and prayers to all of the Nelson family/relatives.
Wanda Dale says
Dear Nelson Family, Sorry to hear you’ve lost your husband, dad, brother and grandfather. Remember the good times! Steve and Wanda
Roubie Younkin says
What a wonderful tribute to a GREAT man. Sonny’s quiet smile expressed a thousand words and I’ll always have the memory of Sonny and his 4 daughters and then grandkids at the fair. He was so proud.
He has left a wonderful legacy in all of you.
My love to your family as you cherish memories if your brother, father, and grandfather.
Bud & Gwen Cornwell says
It is so hard to loose a loved one, even when you know it is a blessing. The Nelsen family will always be a part of our memories. Of course Bud grew up close to the family and my acquaintance came after our marriage. Many memories of Bertha and Floyd and on to their family. A lot a great 4-H years and socials of which you were all a part of. The blessing is that you and so many will have so many great memories that will always be there, and will be a part of most every day. As Roubie expressed, he left a great legacy.
This is a hard time but family, friends and acquaintances will all be with you in thought and pray.
Karyl says
Deanna, sorry to read of the loss of your husband, Sonny. I remember when you got married and know he was a wonderful guy and will be truly missed. Sending my love to you and your family.
Karyl Sonsteng Viste (Class of ‘56)
Jack & Andie Billingsley says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jack has lots of memories of Sonny when they both were in the pig business. Our community has lost another great man. May the memories comfort your family as you morn.
Lisa Baxter says
Sorry for your loss. Wonderful man with much history and a great family left behind to hold the reins.