Wayde Gary Nelson was born October 9, 1944 to Chester and Beatrice (Peterson) Nelson in Stanley, ND. He was the second oldest of four siblings. He attended Tioga Central Elementary School and graduated from Tioga High School in 1963. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith.

He enjoyed the many years at the family ranch and taking care of the cattle, AKA “The Moo-Moo’s” and farming.

Wayde’s Top 10 List
1. Wayde was united in marriage to Joann Leholm on July 30, 1963 in Williston, ND. She was the one great love of his life for 61 years.
2. His two greatest joys of his life were his children, Lisa and Mervill, who he loved unconditionally.
3. He so loved his newest family member, “Giggles” – the puppy that brought him so much joy.
4. Wayde was a good cook. Making klub was a team effort. Wayde peeled and ground the potatoes so Joann could mix up the klub. Good food and good times with family and friends were enjoyed by all.
5. During calving season, Wayde loved to cook breakfast, which could consist of sauerkraut, different meats, eggs and beans. He often would bring Joann coffee in bed while preparing breakfast.
6. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed endless walks in the hills; deer hunting; deer watching; fishing in the creek; and leisurely drives with family through the valley. The choice was “the short loop or the long loop.”
7. Wayde enjoyed taking trips out West to see the mountains. He liked stopping at the casinos along the way.
8. Wayde loved the games of bowling and playing cards.
9. Wayde had a good sense of humor and was known as a jokester.
10. “The Bluff” on the family ranch was a special place for family and friends to gather and memories were made.

Wayde was and will forever remain a special man in the hearts of his loved ones. He touched the lives of many. He was strong, funny and a brave role model for his children.

Wayde Nelson, 80, of Minot, ND, formerly of Tioga, ND passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024 at the Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND with his family by his side.

Wayde is survived by his wife, Joann of Minot, ND; daughter, Lisa (Robert) Beauchamp of Grand Forks, ND; daughter-in-law, Ann Nelson of Tioga, ND; step grandson, Tyler (Kaylie) Langved of White Earth, ND; step granddaughter, Katelyn (Douglas) Pexton of Tioga, ND; sister, Louise Nelson of Talking Rock, GA; sisters-in-law, Betty Merrigan of Tucson, AZ, and Betty Leholm of Apple Valley, MN; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wayde was fond of his nieces and nephews and cherished his time with them. He valued the years spent with Todd (Toni) Marmon and Tracy (Marmon) Thelen since their childhood.

Wayde was preceded in death by his son, Mervill; his parents; stepfather, Raymond Odegaard; father and mother-in-law, Arne and Alice Leholm; brother, Allen Nelson; sister, Jeanella (Odegaard) Fifer; aunts and uncles; brothers-in-law, Arlen Leholm, Rick Merrigan and Richard Naylor; sister-in-law, Nancy Nelson; grandparents, Albert and Louise Peterson and August and Marie Nelson.

Wayde was close to his cousins, LaVerne Peterson and Vernon Nelson who also preceded him in death.

Memorial Contribution

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