Carrol H Nelsen

Carrol Herman Nelsen, 86, of Great Falls, Montana, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family at Peace Hospice on April 12, 2016. A celebration of his life will be held, Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Central Assembly of God with Pastor Bill Ballance officiating. O’Connor Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Carrol Nelsen was born March 31, 1930, in Great Falls to Herman and Maryden (Dahlstrom) Nelsen. Carrol grew up on a farm near Fairfield, Montana. He worked with his father at Clover Mill Farm where they raised purebred Polled Shorthorns. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1948. He was married to the love of his life, Lillie Mae Shelton, on August 21, 1954, in Ronan, Montana. They were married for 62 wonderful years. They were blessed with two sons, David and Daniel; one daughter Faith; and eight grandchildren. Carrol worked at the Anaconda Company until it closed. Following that time, he owned and maintained rental properties. His life was spent serving and blessing those around himwhether it be his family, his renters, his neighbors, or his church family. He enjoyed time spent with his family and especially loved spending time outdoors hunting, camping, and hiking. Carrol was also always eager for a good building project, especially one that would be a blessing to those he knew. He could always be found taking pictures or sharing stories that could also be found in his diaries. In the tradition of his father, who starting writing in 1926, Carrol kept a daily log of events. He was involved in several mission projects and always shared his love for God and people in very practical ways. Carrol is survived by his loving wife, Lillie Mae Nelsen; sons David (Suzie) Nelsen of Great Falls and Daniel (Lisa) Nelsen of Kalispell, Montana; grandchildren Michael (Carol) Nelsen, Matthew (Rachel) Nelsen, Kristen (Jonathan) Laverdure, Mark (Jessica) Nelsen, Stephanie (Quinn) Shelley, John (Nataliya) Nelsen, Makayla Anderson, and Cameron Anderson; and 14 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John; and his daughter, Faith. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Central Assembly of God, 2001 Central Ave, Great Falls, MT 59401; Great Falls Rescue Mission, 326 2nd Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405; or Canyon Life Church, PO Box 123, Cascade, MT 59421.