Robert Omer Nelson

Robert O. Nelson ended his journey on July 16th, 2025, at Sunset Home surrounded by family. Robert O. Nelson was born November 4, 1929, in Homer, Nebraska to Bertel L. Nelson and Geneva Goldie Swain Nelson. During the Dust Bowl in Nebraska, they left and moved to Troy, Montana in 1933 and then settled in Bonners Ferry, Idaho in 1934 on a piece of property on the North Bench. He went to school at the Sheridan School House until 8th grade and then to Bonners Ferry High School and graduated in 1947. The following Monday after graduation he went to work with Dad building a garage for Franz Vinion on the South Hill. He continued building with Dad until he went to work for the Moyie River Lumber Company and helped rebuild the mill, after it burnt. He continued building houses and businesses, including some with Nelson Brothers Construction. His last job was Head Custodian and Maintenance Supervisor for Boundary County School District 101, retiring in 1991.

During his high school years, he played drums along with his older sister Lola Fay on piano and Leitha Bell Patterson on guitar for dances throughout the county. Most times, Dad transported the drums in the back of the pickup, with Leitha Bell sitting on Bob’s lap while she and Lola Fay held the guitar. In later years, he learned to play the violin even building his own and was part of the Old Time Fiddlers. Playing for the dances was one of his greatest joys.

On December 2, 1961, he married Patricia Davis Hawley and was an instant father to Patty’s children (Dawn, Frank and Margo).

He always enjoyed horses, and they raised Morgans. It brought him great joy to ride and pull the buggy. He was part of the Saddle Club and The Sheriff’s Posse. Going fishing and hunting was a great pastime, and usually a family affair. Bob’s best buddy was Dale Sargent, and he often hunted with the Nelsons. Prior to elk in Boundary County, Bob, Dad and brothers hunted the Lochsa every year and had many happy memories and stories of those elk camps.

He was allowed to begin his life-long hobby of wood carving inside the house at a young age, as it was considered “clean dirt”. He loved to camp with his family along the Moyie River and cooking in Dutch ovens was something he enjoyed. His favorite things to make were pineapple upside down cake, clam chowder, and shepherd’s pie. Having his family make Danish Aebleskivers for breakfast was usually a request, along with sourdough buckwheat pancakes. He always said there wasn’t a pie he didn’t like, hot or cold, one crust or two. And even in his last weeks a dessert of any kind was always eaten no matter what.

He was preceded in death by his wife Patty of 50 years; his parents; his sister Lola Fay & George Saylor; his brother Ray; his sister-in-law Karen Nelson; his youngest sister Noma & Keith McDaniel; brother-in-law Don Zachary; daughters Dawn Hawley Fields; Margo Hawley; and Nephew Kenny & Theresa Nelson. He is survived by his brother Dick & Ida, Spokane, WA; sister Clara Lou Zachary, Meridian, ID; and brother Ed & Renee, Bonners Ferry, ID, son Frank & Darlene Nelson, Kennewick, WA; granddaughter Monique Hawley and great grandson Aaron, Spokane, WA; granddaughter Nikki & Stephen Fenter, Portland, OR; and grandson Jared Allen. He had many nieces and nephews with their extended families who loved their Uncle Bob. Dick’s children – Carl & Margie, Lee & Amy, Bert, Theresa & Derek Smith; Clara Lou’s daughter Cara & Jon; Ed’s children – John & Paula, Del & Tara, Bill & Kris, Lyle & Marlaina, Jeremy & Staci; Ray’s daughter Kimmy; Noma’s children - Blaise & Tracy, Brandy, Cytel & Nick. Bob leaves behind many relatives and friends. He will be missed by all!

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Sunset Home, Dr. Diehl and Eden Health Hospice for their loving care of Bob.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Bob loved Boundary County history. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to Boundary County Museum in Bob’s memory. The Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family. If you wish to leave a message or memory for the family please go to www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com.

“May your moccasins make happy tracks in many snows

and the rainbow always touch your shoulder,”

by Dale Sargent, best friend