Idell E. Nelson, 85, of Watford City, ND passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 18, 1933 to Magdalena and Willie Kusler on her parents’ farmstead in rural McIntosh County, North Dakota.

Idell was raised on a farm in McIntosh County, 12 ½ miles from Kulm, ND. Idell attended grades 1-7 at Springfield School #4 and graduated from Kulm High School in 1951. She graduated from Dakota Business College of Fargo in 1952. In 1952, when Gerald (Gerry) Nelson was conducting business with Bob Sanford, owner of S&S Motors, Bob introduced Gerry to his new accountant, Idell Kusler from Kulm, ND. Gerry Nelson and Idell Kusler were married May 9, 1954 (Mother’s Day) in the First Congregational Church in Kulm, ND. The couple lived on the Arthur C. Nelson (Gerry’s father) farm northeast of Watford City for a number of years. In addition to farming Gerald and Idell started Nelson’s Ranch Supply in 1972 selling cattle equipment. The business grew over the years but after 20 years, Nelson’s Ranch Supply closed to allow more time to travel. Idell was active in various church and community organizations. Together, Idell and Gerry enjoyed and helped their children and grandchildren. Gerry and Idell frequently went south for part of the winter, usually to South Padre Island, TX.

Idell is preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Magdalena Kusler, her stillborn twin sister, and infant sister Bernita.

Left behind to treasure her memory is her loving husband of 64 years, Gerald Nelson; children, Cindy (Wayne) Sorenson of Williston, Craig (Julie) Nelson of Watford City, Kevin (Julie) Nelson of Mercer Island, WA; grandchildren, Jeffrey Sorenson, Brent Sorenson, Philip Sorenson, Adam (Jalyssa) Sorenson, Meghan (Jamie) Jellesed, Heather (Eric) Kwan, Janelle (Cody) Ceynar, Owen Nelson and Gavin Nelson; great grandchildren, Mary Rolfson, Asia and Alex Dutke, Restan Sorenson, Aksel, Demi, and Odin Jellesed; siblings, Luella Carlson of Fargo, Marlin (Esther) Kusler of Kulm, Howard (Lucy) Kusler of Lake Oswego, OR and Joyce (Lyle) Janke of Fargo.