On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, Gary L. Nelson, aka Funk Unk, lost his long battle against lung cancer, passing peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, Montana. He was 70 years old.
Gary was born on December 30, 1951, in Lewistown, Montana, the youngest son of George L. Nelson and Norma Walker Skolrud. He spent the first ten years of his life growing up in Roy, Montana. In 1961, his father was transferred to Valley County, where Gary would spend the rest of his life, living in Nashua.
He started working with his father on the county and state highway departments when he was just a teenager, before he was legally old enough to do so. He then spent thirty-one years of his life working for the Montana State Highway Department, retiring in 2008.
Never content to just sit around doing nothing, he then started and operated Gary’s Lawn Service for ten years, working in Nashua and Fort Peck. There are some ladies who are still angry that he stopped doing lawns, as he was quite the perfectionist, and did a great job.
Gary was a Nashua Jaycee for many years, volunteering in the community, running the Nashua Winterfest and donating money for community services in Nashua. The year he appeared for the Dunk Contest, wearing long johns and snorkel gear will always be a great memory. He also spent most of his life as a volunteer for the Nashua Fire Department. He was a member of the Nashua Snowmobile Club.
Gary enjoyed hunting and camping, and particularly boating. He spent much of every summer camping in Fort Peck with his family and friends, Squeak and Connie. He was a constant fixture on the Dredge Cuts for decades, sitting on his boat, greeting the beach-goers, pulling water skiers, pulling people on the innertube, beer in hand, sunglasses and smile on his face. It was his favorite thing in the world.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, George Nelson, and Norma Walker Skolrud, stepfather Geer Skolrud, and his sister, Barbara Harper.
Gary is survived by brother, Erik (Helen) Nelson, Maui, HI; sister, Gail Holleran, Round Rock, TX; nieces and nephews: Cheri (Rusty) Lambert, John (Denise) Holleran, Terry (Brenda) Smith, Lynn Holleran, Dane Nelson, Aliitasi Nelson, and Melissa (Corey) Nelson Scribner; best friends Duane and Connie Tihista, and many, many other friends, cousins, and beach bums.
Per Gary’s request, he has been cremated and there will be private family services at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com.
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Gail Holleran says
Everyone who knew Gary loved him. He was the life of any party, aways teasing his two sisters and his many friends. He will be missed by everyone. May he rest in peace.
Cheri Lambert says
I realized I forgot to add that he and Barb were excellent pool players, playing and winning tournaments throughout northeastern Montana. He was also the family driving instructor. Will miss you forever, Funk Unk