Norman A. Nelson, 96, of Robinson, North Dakota, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Missouri Slope Care Center in Bismarck, North Dakota.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am, Saturday, October 24, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 216 Charles St, Robinson, ND.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm, Friday, October 23, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 E Century Ave, Bismarck.

Burial will be held at Bethany Cemetery, Robinson, ND.

Norman was born on October 28, 1929, in Kidder County, North Dakota, to Joseph and Tilda (Hanson) Nelson. He was the first of 11 children and was raised on the family farm in rural Robinson. He attended Barton School through the eighth grade and worked for area farmers before moving to Pontiac, Michigan, in December 1950. There, he worked at an automobile manufacturing plant for GMC.

In 1952, Norman was drafted into the United States Army and sent to Fort Riley, Kansas. His military service took him to Japan and then to the front lines in Korea, where he served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in late 1953 following the passing of his father in June of that year.

After returning home, Norman took over the family farm and began farming and ranching northwest of Robinson. He dedicated himself to his family and was always willing to work hard for their betterment. He was also well known for his dancing and for attending auction sales.

Norman was active in his community, serving on the township board and the Bethany Lutheran Church board. He also served on the board of directors for the Tuttle Farmers Elevator for six years and served Bethany Cemetery and Western ELCA for six years. He was a member of the Tuttle VFW and the Wing American Legion.

Norman was an antique collector for 45 years and especially enjoyed driving his old cars in parades. In 1996, he retired from farming and later worked for Rod Aichele Construction in Bismarck. In 1999, he began making annual trips to Arizona to take a break from the North Dakota winters.

Above all, Norman's true passion was keeping in touch with his siblings and their children. He cherished his family and made it a priority to stay connected, never wanting to miss a wedding. His love and devotion to his family remained an important part of his life.

Norman is survived by his siblings, Hensel and Phyllis Nelson of Cheyenne, WY; Ernie and ArVilla Nelson of Bloomington, MN; Florine and Dean Auch of Irvine, CA; Betty Weisenburger of Missoula, MT; Karen Wiest of Washburn, ND; Dennis Nelson of Mesa, AZ; Paul and Dee Nelson of Mason, OH; and Connie and Pat O'Neill of Bismarck, ND; sister in-law, Ruby Nelson of Cincinnati, OH; along with 25 nieces and nephews and numerous extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Tilda Nelson; brother, Gaylord; sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Leonard Holzworth; brothers-in-law, Glendell Weisenburger and Jerome Wiest; niece, Brenda (Nelson) Wassberg; and great-nephew, Gary Lee Nelson.

Whether with family or at work, Norman approached life with dedication, humility, and a genuine appreciation for others.