Rodger D. Nelson

Rodger "Roddy" D. Nelson, 85, resident of Clarkia, ID, passed away peacefully at his home on October 25, 2025.
Roddy was born on August 6, 1940, in Spokane, WA, to William and Irene Nelson. He grew up in Emida, ID where he attended school, later continuing his education at St. Maries High School. Eager to work and be outdoors, Roddy left school early to begin logging in the North Idaho woods to help support his family.
He later moved to Potlatch, ID, where he worked for Potlatch Corporation pulling green chain. Before long, Roddy returned to the Fernwood area and resumed logging with Val's Logging before finding his true calling as a cowboy. He worked for the Klaveano Ranch at Emerald Creek, where he tended cattle and embraced the ranching lifestyle he loved.
Roddy spent his winters in Central Ferry, WA, where he helped calve and brand cattle, returning each spring to Emerald Creek to build fences and manage the ranch. He devoted decades to ranching before retiring-a life defined by hard work, independence, and a deep connection to the land.
Outside of work, Roddy enjoyed the simple pleasures of the outdoors. He loved fishing-especially at Dworshak Reservoir and along local creeks-as well as hunting, camping, and riding four-wheelers. Family campouts with the Nelson clan were among his favorite times. Even after retiring, Roddy continued to watch over cattle, checking on them daily until just a few months before his passing.
He also loved watching PBR Rodeos and, in his younger days, was happiest in the saddle, riding horses. Roddy never passed up a good road trip, especially when shared with good company, and he cherished visits with his family in Montana.
In his later years, Roddy lived for a time in Bovill before settling in Clarkia, where he was grateful for the friendship and care of the Kruger family, who kept a kind eye on him. He will be remembered as a true Idaho cowboy-steady, hardworking, and full of quiet humor and heart. His love for the land, the animals he cared for, and the people he called family will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Roddy is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Kelly Jo and Michael Isbell of Hayden, ID; grandson Colton (Hope)Isbell of Boise, ID; Special nephew Jim Nelson of Fernwood, several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Al Nelson and Bill Nelson. At Roddy's request, there will be no services.