Grant Nelson

Grant Nelson, 96, Bismarck, passed away on October 12, 2024. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, Oct. 17, at First Lutheran Church, 800 N 7th St, Bismarck. 

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. 

Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck. 

Grant Einar Nelson was born to Swedish parents, Karl Victor and Mabel Elizabeth (Landerholm) Nelson on May 1, 1928 on the John Engdahl farm near Baldwin, ND. Grant was so tiny they put him in a shoe box and a tea cup would fit over his head. In the early 1930's, the family moved to the Thysell place which was located in Naughton Township. In the fall of 1933, they moved southeast of Baldwin on Apple Creek. 

Between the ages of six and seven, Grant came down with a high fever. His hands and fingers were so swollen that he could not bend them. His parents took him to the St. Alexius Hospital where he would stay for six days. Dr. Stackhouse and Dr. Henderson informed his parents that he had inflammatory rheumatism. He began to get better and was able to return home. Due to the high fever, the family found out that Grant had “dog ears” on his heart. In 1934 his sister, Anna Mae was born. Then in the fall of 1939, they moved to the Ward place, otherwise known as the Freeman farm. In the fall of 1941, the family moved to Croft Township on a farm that was owned by J.S. Fevold. 

Grant attended first through sixth grade in Cromwell. He spent part of seventh grade and also graduated eighth grade from Croft school. During his younger years, Grant learned to play the piano and the accordion by ear and would play for dances around the country. He later taught his sister to play both instruments.

Grant helped his father with farming and at 14 years old he was hauling bundles for John Engdahl. Through the years he helped different farmers during thrashing time, such as Rudy Schrenk and Carl Herdebu. For a short time, he helped out at the Beaver Oil Co. and stayed with Connie Scholl. Neil Fricke also stayed there.

In 1946, the rheumatism returned, this time settling in his hips and feet. At this time he was staying with his uncle Carl and together they got in touch with Grant’s parents. His father and Carl Herdebu took him to see a chiropractor named Dr. Montague. Carl carried Grant up the stairs to Dr. Montague’s office and after heat treatments, Grant was able to walk down the steps with help. He returned every day for three weeks. Grant’s dad would bring him in to town, stopping off at Beaver Oil Co. and from there, Slim or Ed would take him to the doctor. Soon he was driving in by himself and leaving the car at the station. Before long, Grant was walking back to the station by himself. Thankfully, the rheumatism never returned with the same severity as the first two episodes. 

When Grant was 18, he worked for Burleigh County Shop as a CAT Operator, building the road which is now 80th Street North. After working for the county, he began working for his uncles, Emanuel “Slim” and Edwin at Landerhom Oil.

In December of 1950, he entered the US Army during the Korean conflict. He spent nine months in the combat zone. While in battle, he was wounded by shrapnel in the side and arm area. He was taken to the medics where his wounds were taken care of before being sent back to the front lines. He did not want a letter sent to his parents stating he was wounded and therefore this was not listed on his records. Grant received an Honorable Discharge in 1953. Following his return to the states in 1952, Grant started his employment with Bergstrom Supply Co. where he remained until 1960.

On May 7, 1960 Grant married Patricia Marie Sullivan. They eloped and were married at the First Lutheran Church by Pastor Warren K. Johnson. Eileen Will and Ted Hochhalter were attendants. Ted and Eileen were married later that same year. On December 25, 1960, Grant and Patricia welcomed their daughter, Victoria Lynne. On June 10, 1963, their son, Timothy James was born.

During the same month as his marriage, Grant began a career working for the North Dakota State Penitentiary. In the beginning he worked in the twine and cordage plant where twine was made. After a fire took the plant, Grant moved to the sign shop where license plates were made. They discontinued making plates for a time, which led to him moving into the furniture and refurbishing shop. During this time, he developed ulcers and asked to be placed in a different position. Grant then moved to the south gun tower where he remained until retirement in March of 1990. He worked for NDSP 30 years.

Grant enjoyed hobbies such as gardening, woodworking and camping. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Amvets, American Legion and the North Dakota Peace Officers Association. Grant was also a member of the Bismarck Eagles, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion Association and First Lutheran Church.

Grant was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Mabel Nelson; sister, Anna Mae Nelson, and great-grandson, Blaze Schilling; uncles, Carl (Nanny), E.O. “Slim” (Gladys), Arthur (Aldythe), Edwin (Doris) Landerholm, Carl (Evelyn) Magnuson, Roy (Martha), Gordon (Connie) and Glen (Marge) Magnuson; and aunts, Hilda (Fred) Brolin, Hannah (Art) Fricke, Mabel (Roy) White, and Ruth (Johnny) Johnson.

Grant is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia; daughter, Vickie (Tim) Schilling; son, Tim Nelson;Granddaughter, Jessi (Dave) Wagner, and children, Maxwell and Grant; grandson, Casey Schilling; aunt, Ada Johns; and many cousins and friends.