Robert (Bob) Jerome Nelson, age 69, passed away unexpectedly at his home in New Milford, CT on June 4, 2025. Bob was born in Bottineau, ND, to Daryl and JoAnn (Tooley) Nelson on July 26, 1955. He graduated from Bottineau High School in 1973.

Bob earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Mayville State College, ND, in ­1977. Much of Bob’s professional career was devoted to teaching at the high school level and in Special Education in North Dakota. More recently, he was the Safety Advocate at the Alternative Center for Excellence (ACE) high school in Danbury, CT, where he worked for the past nine years.

Bob was generous with his time and was dedicated to serving his community. During his years in Flasher, ND, he was a police officer, volunteer firefighter and EMT for 20 years, served as mayor and on the city council. He was a staff member at Prairie Learning Center in Flasher for many years.

Bob was a devoted father whose greatest joy came from spending time with his children. He created countless memories through hunting, camping, and fishing trips, where his love for the outdoors and quiet moments brought the family closer together. Bob had many hobbies. He was a gifted artist and avid gardener. He had a creative mind and loved wood working and he could fix absolutely anything.

Bob’s presence was a steady source of warmth, laughter and guidance. His dedication to his family and the simple pleasures they shared will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his wife of 13 years, Norma (Larson), brothers Jim and Mark, two sons, J.J. (Jacki) and Josh, his daughter, Jamie, former spouse Peggy (Fugere), mother of his children, grandsons Greysen and Ruger Polensky, and Kadence Nelson. Bob was a bonus dad to Austin (Allison) and Jordan Vaughn and a bonus grandfather to Malia Warfield and Scarlett Vaughn.

Bob’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, and we are left with learning to navigate our world without him in it. We are also left with countless memories of a man who touched so many of us in so many wonderful ways.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life at the meeting room at Sundowners (Twin Oaks), Lake Metigoshe, ND, on July 26th from 4:00 to 6:00pm to share our stories and our memories of Bob.

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