Mervill Nelson, 51, of Tioga, ND, passed away surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with brain cancer on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at Tioga Medical Center in Tioga, ND.

Mervill Wayde Nelson was born September 28, 1967 to Wayde and Joann (Leholm) Nelson in Tioga. He attended Chilcot Country School and Tioga Central Elementary School and graduated from Tioga High School in 1986. He attended Minot State University and North Dakota State University in Fargo prior to transferring to the University of Montana in Missoula, MT, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry in 1995. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

Mervill was united in marriage to Ann Royer on November 9, 2006 in Williston, ND. Mervill and Ann enjoyed their time together, including the simple pleasure of going for a drive. He provided love and support throughout their marriage and tenderly cared for Ann during her cancer and loss of her mother. Mervill worked various oilfield and construction jobs through the years. He was employed at Mainstay Suites in the maintenance department at the time of his cancer diagnosis.

He enjoyed playing baseball, football and wrestling during his school years. He was an avid Vikings’ fan and enjoyed watching the games with his mother-in-law, Marge, who also was a Vikings’ fan. He liked deer hunting and fishing by the creek with his family and friends. He especially loved Alaskan Malamutes and walking the White Earth hills with his dogs. Mervill liked comedy shows and we loved listening to his infectious laughter. He will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was a loving person and loyally cared for his grandparents and elderly neighbors.

Mervill is survived by his wife, Ann Nelson, Tioga; stepchildren, Tyler Langved and Katelyn Langved, both of Tioga; parents, Wayde and Joann Nelson, rural Tioga; sister, Lisa (Robert) Beauchamp, Grand Forks, ND; father-in-law, Alfred (Buddy) Royer, White Earth, ND; brothers-in-law, Paul (Heather) Royer, White Earth, ND, and Brian (Debbie) Royer, Bowbells, ND; aunts: Betty (Leholm) Merrigan, Tucson, AZ; Betty Leholm, Apple Valley, MN; Louise (Richard) Nelson Naylor, Talking Rock, GA; and Cathy Nelson, Grand Forks, ND; cousins: Sherri Trones, Scott Nelson, Melinda Novacek, Lanae Horner, Julia Bramblett, Michelle Davis, Tamara Fifer, John Leholm, Tonya Knuttila, Shane Rosencrans, Shari Obregon and Giselle Hayes; nieces and nephews; and good friends, Todd (Toni) Marmon, Tioga, Tracy (Marmon) Thelen, Kenmare, ND, and Darren Fredrickson, Minot, ND.

Mervill was preceded in death by his grandparents, Arne and Alice (Gulson) Leholm; Beatrice (Peterson) Nelson Odegaard; Chester Nelson and Raymond Odegaard; mother-in-law Marge Royer; uncles: Arlen Leholm; Allen Nelson; and Rick Merrigan; and aunt Jeanella (Odegaard) Fifer.