Birth date: Feb 25, 1941 Death date: May 20, 2020
William "Bill" Nelson, 79, of Ames, IA formerly of Fargo, ND and Lake Park, MN went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Due to federal and state guidelines for COVID-19, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later da Read Obituary
Karen and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was such a kind man. I have fond memories of talking with him at Steam Threshers, having him as an instructor at NDSU, and serving as a TA (teacher's assistant) for him for a class while at NDSU. He touched many lives and will long be remembered. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Jill Hough Schenck
Hi Karen, sorry about your loss. We lived next to you and your roommate in Columbus. I think I talked to Bill one time after I left Columbus, he had already retired. We had known each other in AZ. Then Bill went to OSU. I followed a year later. I married Kathy (still married.) Met her in Columbus, have 2 children & 4 grandchildren. I'm still working, University of Dallas, and live in Dallas.
Karen & Family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Karen & Family,
I was also an original founder of MACI. I knew Bill for many years working on various International Projects. What memories it brings back including opening the Parade and his work at Rollag. Bill was a highly proficient academic yet very down to earth working on his old tractors and steam engines. He will be missed by all who knew him. My Deepest Sympathy to the Family. God Bless.
Glenn Pueppke
Erie, North Dakota
Karen and Family. I was a colleague with Bill for many years, and am still here. He will be long be remembered by me and others affiliated with our department, industry and University. You should be very proud of his accomplishments. I will miss him dearly as both a friend and colleague.
Bill Wilson
NDSU
Karen and family: So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I was a student of his back in the 70's and my daughter worked for him when she was a student. He was a favorite professor. Saw him many times at the Steam Threshers Reunion and when my son was young, he had us ride through the parade with him and Scott, and of course, the dog! To my family he was the star attraction at the reunion. It was an honor to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Allan Lutgen and family
Karen & Family,
We were greatly saddened to see that Bill has passed away. I was a student of Bill's while I majored in Ag Economics in the 1970's … Bill was the stand-out personality & professional Professor in the Ag Economics department, all of Students loved him and appreciated him. When I met the gal I'd become engaged to 5-years after my College Graduation * I took her up to the Ag Econ Department to introduce my fianc\u00e9e to Bill. The crafters of the Obit for Bill told the perfect truth of what he stood for, his passionate interest in life and his students. You lost a wonderful family member and so did all of the remainder of the World.
God Bless you and your family. In Heaven, another very unique Steam-Engine operator with a strong Norwegian accent wearing a perfect smile has arrived.
Mary Ellen & Dale Reimers
Jamestown, North Dakota
Karen we hold you and your family in our prayers during this difficult time.
Bill was always an interesting fellow to listen to, and you both are missed at the lake.
Your neighbors on Victory Road.
With deepest sympathy,
Budd & Carol Mermon
Thank you for such a detailed obituary. I was pleased to learn more about his fulfilled life and deep values. My condolences to Karen, Jenny, Scott and their families.
Patricia McDonough (Dean' mom.)
Karen and family, It is with great sadness to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great neighbor and friend on Middle Cormorant Lake. We so admired him for his background in Education and all that he accomplished in his Field all around the world and in this great country. But most of all he is admired for his passion and love of the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion organization. Bill was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
God Bless you Karen,
Rick and Jo
