Ryan Lee Nelson, age 44, passed away peacefully on his farm from natural causes on April 19, 2022. He was born on May 7, 1977 in Glasgow, Montana to Carl and Karleen Nelson.
Ryan attended school in Opheim, Montana and was involved in numerous activities with baseball, drumming and socializing being a few of his favorites!
He started his college career at Williston State University and completed his degree at Montana State University. Needless to say, Ryan was a huge Bobcat fan and recently made the trip to Texas to watch the Cats play in the National Championship.
After college, he took a job at Farmer’s Union in Worden for a short while, before returning to his hometown in 2002, to become an agronomist at Pro Co-op. Ryan served on several boards during his duration at the Co-op, always striving to learn new ideas and help farmers to the best of his ability. He began introducing pulse crops in the area and his marketing skills excelled. After several years of working for the Co-op, he had the opportunity of becoming the General Manager where his business savvy continued in the advancement of the company with the addition of a large fertilizer plant and bulk fuel station, along with many other improvements.
In 2012, Ryan married Chelsea Warren and together they have three beautiful children: Connor (8), Natalie (7), and Emily (3). He truly loved to have his son Connor by his side in the tractor, teaching him the ins and outs of farming. He enjoyed his daughter Natalie’s companionship while they checked cattle and her horse, Cooper. Lastly, Emily was always waiting at the door for dad to come home to read a book or watch Emily’s favorite cartoon, Bubble Guppies! He was continually teaching his children new ideas and always striving to provide for his family.
In 2014, Roger and Glenn Kleeman gave Ryan the opportunity to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a farmer/rancher. He purchased the Kleeman Ranch at Peerless. He was a hard worker and was always scheming of ways to expand his business. Ryan was a “Dreamer”!
Ryan loved to entertain family and friends wherever he went. He had a huge heart and was always wanting to please people and make them happy. Most people knew him by his nickname “Puppy”. He was always checking in on his numerous friends and family members. He loved to visit and make everyone smile. Ryan was always up for an adventure whether it be hunting, snowmobiling or spending time at Fort Peck Lake. Lots of memories were made with friends and relatives on these outings. Holidays were a highlight in Ryan’s life, especially Christmas. He loved to spoil his nieces and nephews, always making sure the coolest gifts came from Uncle Ryan. His contagious personality and love for life will be missed by so many.
Ryan is survived by his wife Chelsea and their three children: Connor, Natalie and Emily; his mother and stepfather Karleen and Roger Kleeman of Billings; brothers, Kevin (Tami) of Opheim and Scott (Dawn) of Glasgow; his grandmother, Hilda Rosencrans; numerous nieces and nephews: BriAnn (Austin), CJ, Kortney, Carly, Coy, Alexa, Walker and Wyatt; two great-nephews, Clint and Colter. He is also survived by his mother-in-law and father-in-law Del and Shari Warren; sister-in-law, Stacy (Dan) Hauptmann; brothers-in-law, Brady Warren and Ted Welchlin along with his many wonderful friends
He is preceded in death by his father, Carl; his brother, Clint; uncles, David Nelson, Bill Westby and Hoyle Moore; grandparents, Clinton and Elsa Nelson and Carl Swenson.
Family will receive friends 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 24, 2022 at Opheim Community Church in Opheim. Funeral services will be Monday, April 25, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Opheim School Gymnasium with Pastor Paul Landeraaen officiating. Burial will follow at Lawndale Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday April 24, 2022
Opheim Community Church
Opheim, Montana 59250
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 25, 2022
Opheim School Gymnasium
Opheim, Montana 59250
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday April 24, 2022
Opheim Community Church
Opheim, Montana 59250
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 25, 2022
Opheim School Gymnasium
Opheim, Montana 59250
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Mara Murphy says
Absolutely heartbroken for all… I don’t think I have ever met another human who was loved as much as Ryan Nelson was. His heart, his kindness & his presence were all bigger than a NE Montana sky… love & light, Puppy.
Sending strength & prayers to Chelsea & the entire Nelson family. 💙💙💙
Gary and Donna Dascher says
To the family, We are heartbroken for your loss. I knew him as a gentle giant. His heart was golden. Now Puppy, go live forever with God! You will be missed by so many.
Love, Gary and Donna
Alvina Olstead says
I had to read the name over and over because I really couldn’t believe it was him. So sorry for loss to the whole extended family. With prayers for comfort and hope for the future. Alvina and Halvar.
Judi Van Hemelryck says
Chelsea and family,
There are simply no words. We are so sorry to hear of Ryan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and hoping that the good lord will surround you with his loving arms, and give you strength and support as you try to get through this very difficult time. Ryan was such a nice man, and we know how much he will be missed. Maygod bless you all.
Judi and Myles Van Hemelryck
Kim Anderson says
Sending much love and prayers from the Anderson Family — So deeply sorry for your loss. God’s Peace – Blake, Kim, Chere and Mitchell.
Claudette Driggers says
Lifting the family and community up in prayer. I’ve not kept up over the many years, but in my youth Ryan was one of the sweetest children I knew. Always made a point to speak; always a joy. Clearly his sweetness never changed. I pray for comfort for all who are hurting.
Holly Leibrand says
Sending hugs and prayers.
Don and Marcea Soper says
Don and I were simply heartbroken by the news of Ryan’s passing. Our prayers are with Chelsea and family, Karleen and Roger, Kevin and Tami, Scott and Dawn and their families, along with all of Ryan’s friends, too numerous to count. He was a sweet soul and will be greatly missed.
Arlie Gordon says
Karleen, I never met your son, but it sounds like he was a stellar young man. So sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences.
Susanne Isakson says
Dear Chelsea, Karleen and Roger, Kevin and Tami, Scott and Dawn and families, and all of Ryan’s beautiful extended family, we are so very sorry for your loss of your wonderful Ryan. With deepest condolences and prayers for peace and comfort for all who are heartbroken.
JoLyn Fladland says
Im so sorry for your loss! Ryan was truly a wonderful person and man. I’m praying for you all! And again so sorry.
Ken Fossum says
Thoughts and prayers for the Nelson family – so sorry for your loss.
Wayne & Robin Solberg says
Prayers for all of Ryan’s family! Such a tragic loss for his family and friends!
Rick McGarvey says
Karleen, Sorry for the loss of your son. Love and prayers for you and your family.