Timothy Nelson

Timothy Nelson, 69, Columbus, ND, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Timothy Floyd Nelson was born in Kenmare, ND, the son of Ivan and Janet (Zacharias) Nelson. He was raised on the farm west of Flaxton. He attended school and graduated from Flaxton High School in 1974. He married his high school sweetheart Shelley Ann (Oas) Nelson on September 22, 1974, and was the beloved father of three children, Chad, Charles, and Amber.
After graduating Tim started working in the oil field for Portal Service Company where he worked as a roustabout.
He then went to KBM in 1977, where he learned to run his first rig. After working at various oilfield companies, he was inspired to want to start his own company. So, he, along with his brother Doug, started Centennial Well Service in 1989. He also poured his energy into farming the land he loved with his father-in-law Gordon, son Charles and grandchildren.
Throughout the years, Tim and Shelley had many business ventures together.
Tim was more than just a husband and father; he was a hero to his wife and rock to his family. Together Tim and Shelley faced many of life's toughest trials yet met every challenge together. Their unwavering devotion, steady faith and determination carried them through their life. The bond they had was built on perseverance and love.
Outside of work, he loved gardening, hunting, fishing, tinkering and fixing everything, bingo, karaoke, dancing, sharing his knowledge of motors and going to his grandchildren's sports. He loved his grandchildren and let the girls pamper him with new hair styles and cuts. He loved to play Santa for his grandkids and eventually did it for the community and even appeared in a school Christmas concert.
Those Most Honored to Share in His Life: Son, Charles (Jodi) Nelson; daughter, Amber (Richard Frates) Nygard; mother, Janet Nelson; brothers, Mike (Dori) Nelson, Douglas (Deb) Nelson; sister, Kathy (Mike) Mitchell; brother-in-law, Shane (Anna) Oas; sisters-in-law, Mitzie (Dennis) Nay, Myndi (Harlan) Johnson, and Geraldine Oas. He leaves behind a cherished legacy through his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Cole (Rachel White) Nelson, Casper Nelson, Kiah Nelson, Allison Nelson, Jayden (Katie) Nygard, Lyla Nygard, Gracelyn (Tyler Lucy) Nygard, Jaren "Bubba" Nygard, Gavin (Theea Johnson) Nygard. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shelley Ann Nelson; son, Chad T. G. Nelson; father, Ivan J. Nelson; mother-in-law, Charline J. Oas; father-in-law, Gordon T. Oas.
Funeral: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, Columbus, ND.
Interment: Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Columbus, ND.
Visitation: Friday, October 31, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the church.