Bernard Odin Nelson, 94, entered into eternal rest on February 13, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at 10:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison.
Burial will be at the Garrison City Cemetery.
Visitation will held on Wednesday, February 16, from 3 to 6 pm at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison.
Bernard was born March 14, 1927, to Nels and Gladys (Hanson) Nelson in Elbowoods, ND. He was raised on a farm 26 miles west of Garrison, where he attended grade school at Buffalo Rock County School. He graduated from Garrison High School in 1945.
Bernard served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Germany, and was honorably discharged. After returning from military service,
Bernard attending Minot State College for a business degree. He had one quarter of schooling left, but due to his father’s untimely illness, had to quit and take over the farm with his brother Norlan.
On June 14, 1964 he married his sweetheart Carol (Weller). They shared their home west of Garrison for almost 48 years, until Carol’s passing in 2012. They loved and raised two children, Roger and Sandra.
Bernard had always felt a sense of service to others. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Ancient and Accepted Freemasons, the Shriners, and the American Legion. He helped many children find medical help at Shriners hospitals around the country, of which he felt a responsibility to do what he could for others. Bernard was also a part of starting the Masonic Scholarship Banquet for local high school seniors receiving scholarships to further their education. This is now the local Dollars for Scholars program. He sat on many local boards throughout his years living in Garrison.
One of his many great attributes was his sense of humor. He loved to laugh and make others laugh with great stories and anecdotes. His laughter and smile will be missed. He enjoyed many deer hunting seasons with friends and family at the family ranch in Rhame, ND. Great memories were made there.
Bernard leaves behind his loving children Roger, and Sandra (Bruce) Olzweski, sister-in-law, Margie Nelson, many nieces and nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Carol, sisters, Anna Mae Fuller and Yvonne Beaver, brother, Norlan, nephew Barry Nelson and niece Bonnie Avery-McCurdy, brothers-in-law William Fuller and Duane Beaver.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one of Bernard’s longtime devotions, the Shriners Hospital. Help him continue to help others. To sign the online register go to www.garrisonthompson.com. The service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/garrisonthompsonfh/
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