Bruce G. Nelson Obituary (1932 - 2025)

Bruce G. Nelson, 93, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, at Missouri Slope Hillview, Bismarck, ND. Bruce was born on March 28, 1932, to Bernt Edward Nelson and Edith (Gordon) Nelson of Bismarck, ND. He was the third oldest of eight children. Bruce graduated from Bismarck High School in 1950, Bismarck Junior College in 1952, and North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU) in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. Upon graduation he was drafted into the US Army and completed two years of service including armored vehicle training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri followed by stationing in South Korea. He was assigned to the motor pool but after learning of his engineering degree he was transferred to work on floating bridge systems and crossings for moving equipment. After an honorable discharge, he began employment with the North Dakota State Highway Department in May 1957 as a resident engineer supervising portions of the Interstate Highway Project, including the Grant Marsh Bridge over the Missouri. This involved coordinating the efforts of multiple contractors, project engineers, and state highway employees. In 1965 he joined the Milton Rue Company as a Company Engineer coordinating and supervising construction projects across the state. After a short time with the Tennefos Construction Company of Fargo, ND, he founded Annco, Inc. in Bismarck in 1971 with two of his brothers (Terry and Earl), building bridges and other projects across the state of North Dakota until his retirement in 1991. Bruce enjoyed spending free time on a variety of activities. He was a life-long Minnesota Vikings fan and loved camping with family and friends. When he wasn’t camping, he enjoyed bowling and later in life golf. And many a Sunday wasn’t complete without family get-togethers at his parents where hours of bridge, pinochle, and cribbage were known to take place. Bruce married JoAnn Johnson of Jamestown, ND, on April 12, 1958. They shared over 53 years of happiness, caring, and love, becoming the proud parents of four children: Bryan G. (Charlene) Nelson of Marshfield, MO, Denise M. (Jared) Anderson of West Fargo, ND, Brenda L. (Orin) Schlomer of Mandan, ND, and David A. (Tuanjai) Nelson of St. Paul, MN. Eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren continue his legacy of love: Christopher S. (Heather) Nelson, Brianna N. Nelson, Benjamin A. (Talia) Nelson (Sariyah), Jordan N. Anderson, Katy M. (Rob) Beattie (Nicholas), Lacey A. (Devin) Hinsz (Sawyer, Saydee), Oakley M. (Andrew Carney) Fix (Naleela, Nova), and Alexis Nelson. In addition to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he is survived by two sisters and one brother: Shirley Upham of Mandan, ND, Karen Ressler of West Fargo, ND, and Earl Nelson of Fargo, ND. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, three brothers, and one sister. A cherished husband, loving father, and valued friend, he will be greatly missed by all. The family wishes to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the care provided to our father over the last year by Amy Schlomer and the staffs and caregivers of Dakota Home Care, Lasting Love, Red River Valley Hospice, and Missouri Slope Hillview. You made his life and ours immeasurably better. A celebration of life event will be held on June 29, 2025 from 4-7pm at the Jaycee Leadership Hall at Jaycee Centennial Park, 321 E. Century Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58503. No flowers or cards are necessary. Should your heart compel you, we ask that you donate something in Bruce’s name to your favorite charity or organization. Burial will take place Monday, June 30 at 9am at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery for immediate family.