Died Sunday, May 28, 2023
Ronald Dwaine Nelson was born on May 3, 1942, to the late George and Myrtle Nelson in Oakland NE. He was blessed to be immersed in the Christian community of Elim Lutheran Church that would be his lifelong support from an early age. He graduated from Craig High School, Midland Lutheran College, and the Lutheran School of Theology. Ron married Joan (Hargens) on October 23, 1964, his wife of 58 years.
Ron loved the Lord and served in ministry in the following congregations: St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Creston NE and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Leigh, NE, 1968-72; St Luke's Lutheran Church, Emerson, NE 1972-1979; Tabor Lutheran Church, Pueblo, CO, 1979-1986; and Trinity Lutheran Church, Sheridan, WY 1986-2005. Following his retirement Ron participated in several interims including Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wayne, NE and Peace Lutheran Church in Fremont, NE.
Ron loved youth ministry. He helped establish teen centers in his first two churches, plus he was head of the Youth Committee in the Nebraska Synod at that time. In Sheridan, WY, Ron was trained and established the Logos program. Logos helps the youth and his/her parent deepen their faith together during their confirmation years. In this way the entire family is blessed in a unified way through ministry. Ron also started the Stephen's Ministry and Christ Care programs in Sheridan. These programs build small group ministry which was a passion of his until the day he died.
Ron is survived by his wife, Joan, three children; daughters Pam Nelson-Hollis of Albany CA; Cathy (Brad) Edmondson of Johnston IA; and one son Mike (Sage) of Wolcott CO. He has seven grandchildren: Noah Edmondson, Zach Edmondson, Ben Edmondson, Peyton Nelson, Jackson Hollis, Gabe Hollis, and Wyatt Nelson. He is also survived by his sister Judy Carlson; brother and sister-in-law Joel and Carol Hargens and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jerry, and brother-in-law, Terry Carlson.
Services for Ron will be 11:00am, June 13th, 2023 at Elim Lutheran Church, Swaburg (2312 County Road D, Hooper). Visitation will begin at 10am the day of the service, burial will follow in the Elim Cemetery. The family invites all to a luncheon following the burial, at the Uehling Auditorium, 224 3rd Street in Uehling. Memorials are suggested to Elim Lutheran Church or Orchard Africa.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(3)
Wes Thomas Jr
Minot, ND Sunday, June 11, 2023 I met Ron at Mesa Spirit in Mesa Az in a men's prayer coffee which we both attended. In January 2020 before covid he mentioned Daily Audio Bible which I had not been aware of at that time. He told how you could just listen or follow along on your computer the readings of the day and how you would go thru the Bible in one year. I quickly caught up as the year was just starting and I have enjoyed it daily ever since. I have since told others of this program. I was privileged in seeing him, thanking him, praying with and for him and others this past year and I know he is enjoying his heavenly home. Thanks Ron you will be truly missed at our prayer coffee's and always remembered.Sharon Lindahl (Egbers)
Columbus, NE Friday, June 9, 2023 To Judy Carlson and Ron’s family our sympathy. A remembrance of Ron was outside in the yard at Elim, he was leading the Luther League kids playing games having lots of fun. Another memory, his parents George and Myrtle, the most humble and nicest people in the world. Heaven is welcoming Ron.Judy Denson-Keller
Sheridan, WY Saturday, June 3, 2023 My heart, thoughts, prayers, and hugs go out to Ron's family at this very difficult time. When I moved to Sheridan 21.5 years ago, I looked for a church that was ELCA affiliated like the church I was a member of when I was living in Billings, Montana. I saw Trinity was ELCA affiliated, so I decided to give the church a shot. It was exactly what I was looking for and I got the warmest of welcomes from Ron and Pastor Wilber Holz. I felt immediately at home. Another joyful event happened when the Bishop of the Montana Wyoming synod came to help the church in celebrating the 100 year anniversary at Trinity. The Bishop was non other than my former pastor of the Billings church, Richard Omlund. WHAT A JOYOUS REUNION! We also had another reunion when our current pastor, Phil Wold was installed(Another good one). You are all in my prayers and I pray that Ron is now resting in peace. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!