Roland “Ron” Gale Nelsen, 88, passed away on March 12, 2026, in Bismarck, ND. A funeral service was held on Friday, March 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Bismarck Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Minnewaukan, ND, in the spring.
Roland was born Dec. 26, 1937, in Church’s Ferry, ND, to George Nelsen, Sr., and Annabelle Nelsen. He grew up in the Leeds area and attended Leeds High School, where he proudly played football for the Leeds Lions.
Following high school, Roland served in the United States Air Force as an Airman Second Class and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He was deeply proud of his military service and his country.
On Feb. 20, 1962, Roland married the love of his life, Lila Silberg. They shared 34 years of marriage before her unexpected passing on April 17, 1996. Their marriage was blessed with four children, whom Roland deeply loved: Traci, Cortney, Michael and Maleah.
Roland worked for the Benson County Highway Department as a heavy equipment operator for 50 years. Much of that time was spent operating a Caterpillar dozer, work he genuinely loved and continued to do well into his seventies.
Beyond his work and accomplishments, Roland’s life was defined by something even greater. Woven deeply into the fabric of his being was a story of redemption and faith that he shared with anyone willing to listen. His faith was not simply something he believed; it was the very foundation upon which his life was built.
Roland is survived by his children: Traci Blackwood (Kevin), Cortney Nelsen, Michael Nelsen (Raquel), and Maleah Nelsen; his grandchildren: Kara Blackwood, Jared Blackwood (Kayla), Bailey Nelsen, Summer Nelsen, and Gabrielle Nelsen; and his great-grandchildren: Jacob Blackwood, Jenna Blackwood, and Tessa Blackwood. He is also survived by his sisters, Kay Verke (Robert) and Lavonne Rardon (Von).
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lila; his mother, Annabelle; his father, George, Sr.; and his brothers George, Jr., James, Kenneth, and Robert.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at Baptist Health & Rehab for the excellent care Roland received over the past three years.
While his family mourns his absence here on earth, they take comfort in knowing that the man who spent a lifetime speaking about heaven has now finally seen it for himself.
To sign the online guestbook and share memories with the family, go to www.bismarckfuneralhome.com
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