Russell V. Nelson passed April 9, 2002, at age 97 in Billings, Montana.  Russell was born on January 14, 1905, in Troy Mills, Iowa, the son of Peter Nelson and Grace Ethelyn Michael Nelson.  Russell grew up in the North Dakota and Minnesota Region.   Russell married Bess Anderson Nelson on June 13, 1937.   Russell was a Mason and a Shriner in the Euclid Lodge in Great Falls.  He was the best Santa Clause the Masonic Christmas Party ever had.  Russell was also a butcher, salesman, bus driver for children as well as for transporting firefighters, and security for the Montana State Fair in Great Falls, Montana, since the 1940's.  Russell was an avid fisherman, hunter, rock hound, and enjoyed camping with friends and family.  Russell's love for people went unquestioned as he never met a stranger.   He is survived by his three daughters, Ginny (Roy) Bennett, Rene (Swede) Mattfeldt, Nancy (Jim) Lane; brothers, Ted (Char) Nelson, Stan (Darlene) Nelson; sisters, Wilma Turner and Donna Reynolds.  Russell had 8 grandchildren, Laura (David) Nelson-Voth and his special great grandson Justin Russell Nelson, Richard (Therese) Mims, Tim (Dana) Mattfeldt, Steve (Janel) Mattfeldt, Teri (Drew) Mattfeldt-Weiskopf, Chad (Liz) Laird, Holly Laird and Sally Laird.   Russell also had 14 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.   Russell is preceded in death by his wife Bess, his parents, his brothers, Paul Nelson and Merle (Bud) Nelson; sisters, Orma Larson, Ione Kludt and Verna Eaker.  At age 97, Russell wrote the following poem:

    If a task is first begun,
    never leave it ‘til it's done.
    Be the labor great or small,
    do it well or not at all.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place.  Grave side services are planned at a later date.

Grandpa's Prayer:

God grant that I may fish until my dying day, and when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray, while in the Lord's safe landing net, I'm peacefully asleep, and that in his mercy I be judged as good enough to keep.