Duane Frederick Nelson

Duane Frederick Nelson, 83, of Bismarck, ND, died on May 7, 2018, at home surrounded by family and 2 beloved dogs, Mia and Minnie. Services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, May 14, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 106 Osage Ave., Bismarck, with Rev. Craig Schweitzer officiating. Burial will be held at 1:00 pm Monday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation is from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sunday, May 13, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. He was born on December 7, 1934, in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Shortly after his birth, his parents Henry and Viola Nelson moved to Carrington, North Dakota. Duane had one sister, Janice, and one brother, Gary. Duane graduated from Carrington High School. He joined the United States Navy in 1954 and served until 1962. He served in the United States Naval Reserves (Seabees) from 1972 to 1980. He joined the United Stated Army Reserve full time in 1980 and retired from the Army as a Sergeant First Class in 1990. Duane was trained as a journeyman pipefitter/welder in the Navy. He was a journeyman plumber in Jamestown, New Rockford and Carrington. He also received his welding certification from Bismarck State College. He worked at various power plants in North Dakota and different construction projects in the Bismarck/Mandan area when not serving his country. While in the Navy he fell in love and married Dorothy Darlene Nelson on September 22, 1954, in New Rockford, North Dakota. He served aboard the USS Cape Esperance for 11 months, leaving only 5 days after their wedding. He then was transferred to Kodiak Island, Alaska, where Dorothy joined him and spent 2 years enjoying camping and fishing. They then lived in New Rockford, Jamestown, and Bordulac, where he helped his mother with the farm for 2 years upon the death of his step dad. He and Dorothy moved to Bismarck in 1967. During his retirement years, he enjoyed making ships in a bottle, woodcarvings, and leather work including billfolds, belts and purses. His woodcarvings included a beautiful cradle for Darla, and a potato and onion box for Dorothy. Duane was a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 300. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, AMVets, United Stated Navy Memorial and Disabled American Veterans. Duane is survived by his spouse, Dorothy Darlene Nelson; three sons, Russell (Peggy) of Laurel, MT, Donald (JoAnn), Suisun City, CA, James (Connie) of Bismarck, ND, and daughter, Darla (Todd) of Union, MO; eight grandchildren, Roxann (David) of Bismarck, ND, Brandon (Jenni) of Mesa, AZ, Kristina of Medford, OR, Jennifer (Tyler) of Bismarck, ND, and Caleb, Stephen, Hannah and Jonathan of Union, MO; three great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Preston and Riley of Bismarck, ND, and two step-grandchildren, Bailey and Ethan of Mesa, AZ; and his brother, Gary Nilson (Mary) of Dubuque IA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; his parents; one sister; and all his beloved dogs. A special thanks to the Good Samaritan Home Health Care and Sanford Hospice for the care and support to our family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 106 Osage Avenue, Bismarck, or charity of your choice.