Michael Dean Nelson , 63, of Grand Forks, ND passed away Thursday, August 11, 2022 at his home in Grand Forks.

"Mike" was born on December 1, 1958, in NW Minnesota, the youngest of 6 children of James and Phyllis (Hammer) Nelson. While still a toddler, the family settled in Northwood, ND where Mike was raised in the rural farming town. Spending much of his life in the Red River Valley, he very much enjoyed hunting and fishing and took great pride in teaching his children how to properly hunt deer and bait a fishing hook. If he wasn't dressed in orange or found out by a lake or stream, he could be found reading any book that crossed his path. For 20 years he worked locally for JR Simplot in Grand Forks, while his last position at Raw Spraying afforded him the opportunity to travel the rest of the country. Mike retired from Raw Spraying in January, 2022.

Mike is survived by his children Shannon (Justin) Theiss of Spangdahlem, Germany, Justin (Candice) Nelson of Hatton, ND, Danielle (Matt) Engels of Garrison, ND, and Micah (Lingzhi) Nelson of Owatonna, MN; 11 grandchildren; brother Jeffrey (Diane) of Northwood, ND; sister Betsy (Kim) Bjoralt of Fargo, ND as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Mark, sisters Carole and Linda, nephew Kevin, and niece Shauna.

Mike was a quiet and private person. He never liked being the center of attention and, per his request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, to celebrate his life and in lieu of flowers, his family asks that you remember him by spending time in his favorite spot- the great outdoors, hiking along a trail, or perhaps dozing beside a creek.

No Services are Scheduled.