Dale Nelson
Dale Nelson, 77, Watford City, N.D., formerly of Lignite, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
Dale Arnold Nelson was born Dec. 9, 1947, the son of Raymond and Esther (Johnson) in Minot. Dale was the third child of nine kids. He was raised on the family farm in Flaxton and graduated from Flaxton High School.
He enlisted in the United States Army on June 13, 1968. He was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged June 1, 1974. In 2024, Dale went on an honor flight in Washington DC. He was a proud member of Monson Finkenhagen American Legion Post 35 in Lignite.
Dale married Naomi Eaton on Dec. 26, 1968, in Flaxton, N.D. As he built his family, Dale worked oilfield jobs in North Dakota and Montana, eventually settled down at the Eaton Family Homestead south of Lignite. Naomi passed away in October of 2008.
Dale married Debbie Leek on Feb. 4, 2011, in Watford City. Upon retirement, they spent their time between Watford City and Mesa, Ariz.
Dale enjoyed going to auction sales, bird hunting, riding his tractor, and spending time with his family. He was an avid collector of eagles, model cars, tractors, and many other things. Dale had a unique sense of humor and loving personality, which had him loved by many foster children and others as A father, brother, friend and of course “Uncle Dale.” Dale’s faith was strong and was an important part of his life. That faith was shown during the most difficult times in his life.
His loving family includes:
Wife, Debbie; daughters, Dawn Pederson of Sidney, Mont.; Brenda (Chris) Christianson, Voltaire, Amie (Raymond) Kraft of Manassas, Virg., and Leslie (David) Rubbert, Garrison; son, Dan (Amy) Nelson, Lignite; grandchildren, DeNaye Kern, Ashlee Mindt, Charlie, Clay, and Brook Sheehan; Heather and David Christianson; Micah, Isaac, and Addie Nelson; and Ethan, Alyssa and Ciara Kraft; J’Leyne, Faye, Kari, and Emma Rubbert; 7 great-grandchildren; step-sons, Ryan (Staci) Nottestad, Aaron Nottestad, Jacob (Heidi) Nottestad, and Caleb Nottestad; step-grandchildren, Austyn, Paighton Maddison, Nikkole, Skyler, Gracie, Luke, Chance Nottestad, and Jake Pinkney; many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins;
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Naomi; two brothers and one sister.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 7, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Lake Assembly Church, 101 2nd Ave. E. Powers Lake, N.D.
Interment was held at Bethlehem (Danish) Cemetery, Bowbells, N.D.
Visitation: One hour prior to service.
The service was livestreamed for the public to view by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com