Robert Nelson passed quietly on June 14 with members of his family at his side. Rob was born in western Minnesota in 1926. He was the first of four sons born to Nick and Mollie Nelson. He was drafted into the army at age 18 and served stateside until 1946. In 1954, he married Ardell Grefsrud and they took over running his father’s grocery store. Their first child, Ross, was born three years later, and Koren and Eric followed in 1960 and 1964. After watching his family grow, Rob decided to upgrade his skill set and attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, where he graduated with a degree in mathematics.
A few months later, Rob accepted a job with the state of Montana as a statistician with the Department of Public Heath. The family moved to Helena in 1964, and Rob called the town home for the next five decades. His interests included history, music, and occasional woodworking and auto projects. The entire family took up cross-country skiing one year and it became a favorite winter hobby. Rob’s musical passion found an outlet in the choir at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. Both Ardell and Rob taught folk dancing at the Son’s of Norway lodge. His embrace of his Scandinavian heritage was evident in the countless batches of lefse he and Ardell made at Christmastime, which were always in high demand. He enjoyed listening to classical music and was also an enthusiastic attendant of all the kids’ activities, present at a variety of band concerts, dance recitals, and athletic events.
Rob stayed with the Montana Dept. of Public Heath his entire career, assisting in the transition from paper-based to computerized record keeping. After retirement, Rob and Ardell started spending winters in Sedona. 1992 was an especially happy year, as they celebrated the birth of Maggie, their first grandchild. Alex, the second grandchild was born in 1996. They also enjoyed traveling, especially trips to see family in Minnesota, and their children’s homes in Virginia and California. The also took two trips to connect with relatives in Norway. When not traveling themselves, they were happy to host international guests as part of Friendship Force.
Rob and Ardell celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004. A few years ago they moved from their home on the west side to assisted living at Touchmark. Rob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ardell, three children, Ross, Koren, and Eric, and two grandchildren from Eric’s marriage, Alex and Margaret (Maggie). He also leaves behind two brothers, Neal and Marvin. A kind and gentle man, he was loved by all and will be missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 21st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A reception will follow in the social hall of the funeral home. Following the reception, a graveside service with military honors will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Rob are suggested to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth St., Santa Monica, CA 90401. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Rob.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday June 21, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Thursday June 21, 2018
Social Hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Thursday June 21, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday June 21, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Thursday June 21, 2018
Social Hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Thursday June 21, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, Montana 59602
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Mary says
Rob and Ardell taught me how to make lefse when I came to Helena 14 years ago. Ardell less than enamored that I was Irish and not Norwegian but they were nonetheless kind enough to share their knowledge. It was like watching a well oiled machine. Rob knew what his duties were and I will never forget him scrubbing the lefse with his well worn lefse tool. He seemed to be the quiet observer type and then he’d say something super funny. He had quite a wit. I am sorry for your loss.
Marie Z Bourgeois says
I met Robert about a year ago. He was an intelligent and interesting man with a great sense of humor. He was unable to speak very clearly at that time due to his illnesses, but it was always worth listening carefully to the insightful ideas and thoughts he shared. I wish I could have known this great man longer, I will miss him.
Marie
Jeff Beck says
To Eric and the Nelson family,
I am sorry for your loss and you have my deepest condolences.
Paula Dickson says
I just want to say that this family is a very tight knit family. They love each other very much. Bob will be missed. My heart goes out to Ross, Koren, and Eric, and especially to Arlene. I miss you all. I worked with Bob and Arlene for a few years at Touchmark.
Koren Cleaveland says
My dad was always there for me when I needed him. He always checked from monsters under my bed and tucked my in tightly. He was my hero. I will miss you so very much. Love you always. Your loving daughter Rennie.
Joyce Schillinger says
Ardell and family, I just learned of Robert’s passing and want to pass on my condolences. I was privileged to cut Robert’s hair for a number of years and was always happy when my tip was a package of lefse!
My son, Charlie Amundson has asked that I pass his condolences to his favorite teacher, Mrs Nelson