John Norman Nelson, 87, Minot and formerly of Lansford died on Thursday, September 3, 2009 in a Minot healthcare center.

John was born on October 2, 1921 on the family farm in Homan Township of Bottineau County near Dunseith, ND to John H. and Marie (Berg) Nelson. He was reared on the family farm, attended Beaver Dam Rural School and graduated from Dunseith High School in 1941. He excelled in football and basketball and participated in drama and music. As a young adult, he was employed by Boeing Aircraft Corporation in Seattle, WA prior to enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard on September 11, 1942. Following his honorable discharge as a Carpenter's Mate First Class on March 20, 1946 in St. Louis Missouri, he returned to North Dakota and resided in Rolette. While in the Coast Guard, he was trained in Chemical Warfare and was awarded a Good Conduct medal. He served in both the European and Pacific Theaters.

John married Della (Lunde) Cobler on July 3, 1955 in Rolette. They made their home in Rolette and New Rockford where he owned and operated Nelson Plumbing and Heating prior to moving to Lansford in 1961. While residing in Lansford, he was employed by Honeywell Corporation as a master plumber and pneumatic service specialist. He worked construction projects at the Minot Air Force Base, Garrison Dam and many projects throughout western North Dakota. He retired from Honeywell Corp in 1983 and was recently awarded a 50 year certificate as a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local #300. John and Della moved to Minot in 2003. Della died on June 16, 2008.

John was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 279 (60 year recognition), Senior Citizens, and Community Club all in Lansford. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Rolette, Elks Lodge and Eagles Aerie both in Minot and was a delegate to the ND Silver Hair Legislature. He especially enjoyed bowling and tournament play and was a member of teams in Lansford and Minot. In addition, he loved hunting trips in the Badlands, fishing in Canada in his younger years, local sporting events and Minnesota Twins baseball. He was an avid collector of stamps, coins and arrowheads and enjoyed metal detecting. As a carpenter, he spent countless hours during his retirement building furniture and various gifts for family and friends. He was especially known for his unique footstools.

Survivors include: children, Sherry (Tim) Coutts of Colorado Springs, CO, Jana Nelson and Jeff Nelson both of Minot and Robert Nelson of Craig, CO; stepchildren, Dennis (Kathleen) Cobler of Muskegon, MI and Don Cobler; grandchildren, Amy and Mike Cobler, Brian (Renee) Botton, Teresa (Pete) Gilbert, Carla (Brian) Safigan, Ilona (Ryan) Goltz, Tricia (Tom) Luebesmier, Charisse Cobler, Jake and Casey Coutts; and six great- grandchildren. Sisters, Eugenie Walker, Mildred Parrill and Marie Parrill all of Bottineau and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, wife, stepdaughter, Diane Botton; grandson, Erik Coutts; sisters, Jennie Metcalfe, Nellie Bloomquist and Olga Edinger and brothers, Carl and Erling Nelson.

Funeral Service: Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church - Lansford. A Fellowship Luncheon will follow at the Lansford City Hall.
Graveside Service: Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in the New Veterans Section of Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: There will be no reviewal but friends may sign a register book on Friday from noon until 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials will be forwarded by the family to various organizations in John's memory.