Thomas Dean Nelson, 91, of Culbertson, MT passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson, MT.

Thomas Nelson was born September 21, 1933 to parents, Walter and Nina (Nelsen) Nelson on their family farm NE of Culbertson, Montana. He was baptized and confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Dane Valley.

As a child, he attended Moothart Country School, east of the farm, and then Culbertson Schools, graduating in 1952. That same year, he joined his father farming and ranching.

In 1955, he was united in marriage to Barbara Nicholson, the love of his life, at Ebenezer. Together they built a life rooted in love, hard work and faith, raising two children, Beth (1957) and Mark (1959).

Tom believed in serving his community. Church and cemetery care were very important to him, always assisting on Mowing Day at the church. He served on several boards, including Ebenezer Church Council, Farmers Elevator, Roosevelt Memorial Hospital, Roosevelt Home Health, Culbertson Museum, and Culbertson Area Community Foundation.

While farming was his life's work, Tom always placed family first. He and Barb cherished family trips, traveling throughout the United States, spending winter months in Havasu, Arizona. In their travels, they touched 48 contiguous states. In 2005, they treated the entire family to a 50th anniversary trip to Washington, D.C. He found great joy in playing golf. Pastimes included gardening and bird-watching-simple pleasures that reflected his appreciation of nature. He loved watching morning sunrises, evening sunsets, and all the changes of weather in between. Devotions and reading his Bible were also an important part of his daily routine. Tom and Barb loved their grandchildren deeply, with "Grandparents' Night" being a favorite weekend activity. When Tom became a great-grandfather, he enjoyed watching the kids play, keeping a closet full of toys.

After Barb passed away in 2013, Tom remained on the farm for a year, moving to Culbertson in 2014. He became an active member of the Culbertson Seniors, enjoying many meals with local friends. Baking whole wheat bread and oatmeal cookies occupied many pleasant hours. Walking several miles daily became a favorite activity. Last fall, he enjoyed long walks at the newly opened American Legion Park.

Christine Jensen became a close companion and friend after he moved to town, where they spent many hours together visiting and enjoying each other's company.

Tom was a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, a gentle and quiet man of strength, dedicated to family and community, faithful until the end, sharing his love of nature with many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by children, Beth (Larry) Hekkel, Mark (JoMarie) Nelson; grandchildren, Christian Hekkel, Lauren (Brady) Berntson, Jed (Jenni) Laber, Andrew Nelson (Justin Ailport); great-grandchildren, Corban and Prestan Hekkel, Brooks and Ryker Berntson, Jaxon and Joshua Laber; nephews, Bruce (Kathy) Johnson, Brent Betz; nieces, Marcia Scharnweber, Mardell Pedersen, Cheryl (Steve) Mason, Wanda (Kevin) McDonald; godchildren, Karen Larsen Synan, Cheryl Blair Mason.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Nina Nelson; wife, Barbara Nelson; sisters, Luella Larsen, Harriet Blair; father and mother-in-law, John and Violet Nicholson; John's previous wives, Drusilla and Mildred; brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Karen Betz; nephew, Rob Betz.