Our amazing Shane P. Nelson left us on June 18, 2025. He lost a hard fought battle to PTSD related to his military service.
Shane was born Jan. 18, 1973, to Gail Flesch Nelson Green and Kim Leroy Nelson. From age three, along with his older brother Shaun, Shane was raised by his step-dad, Tom Green. He learned rural living, the operations of auto wrecking yards and mechanics. Through his experience at the wrecking yard, Shane learned how to fix almost anything. He could Macguyver any vehicle he was in.
Shane graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1992. After graduation, he farmed/ranched with his uncle Mark Nelson.
In 1998, Shane enlisted in the United States Army. He specialized as an operating room specialist. In 1999, he completed Primary Leadership Development and, in 2002, he completed the Medical Specialist Course.
SGT Shane Patrick Nelson became a combat medic and served in Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait. He served in the 6-Deuce Med Battalion/47 Combat Support Hospital at Camp Wolf. His exemplary service was honored by receipt of the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and Army Good Conduct Medal.
In September of 2006, Shane was honorably discharged from the United States Army.
Shane went to Seattle, Wash., to live with his brother after his military service. Shane and his brother completed the 2007 Ironman. Shane also went on to compete in the Spartan Games.
Shane enrolled in Boise State and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Shane had an amazing giving heart and would do anything for his friends and family. He had a beautiful soul that could see into the depths of yours and he would help you even though he was also hurting. He was a rare gift of a man. Thank God for the time he lent him to us.
Shane is survived by his mother, Gail Green of Helena; stepfather, Tom Green of Wolf Point; stepmother, Marsha Nelson of Wyoming; stepsisters, Mindy (Joe) Vohland and Michelle (Rick) Eckert and son; stepbrothers, Troy Meade and Kyle Meade of Seattle, Wash.; uncle, Mark (Sandra) Nelson of Power; aunt, Lori (Scott) Onishuk of California; uncle, Brian (Sheila) Flesch of Townsend; cousins, Joe (Dezi) Flesch and girls, Ruben Flesch and sons, Jacob Flesch, Gailan Flesch, Jenny (James) Dodge and son; and many cousins and extended family in the Flesch, Nelson and Green families.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Shaun.
Shane’s celebration of life will be Friday, June 27, at 11 a.m. at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke & Retz located 3750 North Montana, Helena MT 59602 with Pastor Paul McElroy of the Mountain Family Fellowship Church. Luncheon will follow and burial there after with full military honor guard.
Pallbearers are: Joe Flesch, Jacob Flesch, Samuel Flesch, Timothy Flesch, Ash Benjamin, Logan Wolff. Honorary Pallbearers are Brian Flesch, Reuben Flesch, RJ Green, Troy Green, Lex Barker, Steve Heasley, Troy Carkuff, Mike Pinholster, Chad Landreth, Dave Martin
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 27, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Motana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday June 27, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday June 27, 2025
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 27, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Motana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday June 27, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday June 27, 2025
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Jim Porter says
May God “salute” and welcome you in to his loving Kingdom. Even tho’ I am a little older, a proud Navy veteran, a sailor that put my time in VietNam, you are and always will be a Comrade. Take care Shane, and May God Bless you and all your family always.
Joscelyn (Rensvold) Tracy says
My heart truly aches at the news of Shane’s passing. He was a remarkable soul. May his memory bring you comfort and strength.
With deepest sympathy,
Joscelyn (Rensvold) Tracy
Sharon Sanford says
RIP Shane. May your memories comfort your wonderful mother Gail and wrap her in comfort as she continues on this journey until you all meet again. Prayers for all.
Sharon Sanford
niburja says
My condolences to all who knew and cared for Shane. I had the pleasure of meeting Shane through a mutual friend and enjoyed chatting with him each time we ran into each other. Rest in peace, friend.
Karel and Ernie Schutt says
Rest well in the arms of our Lord, Shane. Your struggles are over but you will be missed by many. I’m m so glad that Ernie and I got to have such a good visit with Shane when he was in town. We shared memories and laughs. He spoke of his brother and how much he loved his mom. I had no idea of the struggles he was going through. I wish we had. Perhaps Ernie , who has also struggled with PTSD from 2 years in Vietnam, could have helped. God Bless and comfort you, Gail. That is more than any mother should have to endure.
Katrina Benjamin says
You were my best friend for the past six years. And when I say best friend, I mean that you were my life saver. My heart is broken and there will forever be a void in my life, without you here with us. Thank you for your love, support, service, and your life. I love you. I miss you. Rest in peace ❤️