Fergus “Fergie” Nelson, 88, Manning, died Sunday, April 26, 2015 at St. Alexius Medical Center, in Bismarck with his family at his side. Funeral services for Fergus will be at 10 a.m., Friday, May 1, 2015, at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with Rev. Ray Druckenmiller and Rev. Rande Kerr officiating. Interment will take place at the Emerson Cemetery, Dunn Center. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will continue on Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service.

Fergus A. Nelson was born June 4, 1926 on the family farm near Emerson, he was the son of Fred B. and Annie (Flatten) Nelson who homesteaded near Emerson in the early 1900’s from Houston, Minn. He was raised and educated near the home place, receiving his education through the 8th grade in in a country school.

Fergus married Elizabeth Billick on June 15, 1960. He was a farmer and rancher his entire life, and he and Liz raised their six children. He had enjoyed being a member of the Gideons for many years. He was a lifelong member and helped start the Manning Community Church. Fergie enjoyed socializing with friends, family and neighbors. He also enjoyed spending time watching westerns, such as, Gunsmoke and Bonanza. He was especially fond of John Deere and Chevrolet.

Fergus is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, at Hill Top Home of Comfort, Killdeer; six children, Daniel Nelson, Manning; Dallas (Christyn) Nelson, Ray; Dean Nelson, Manning; David Nelson, Portland, Ore.; Donna (Kevin) Sinai, Potomac, Md.; and Dee (Stephen) Gionis, Edgewater, Md.; and his grandchildren, Taylor, Sidnee and Hatley of Ray; Kyle and Sophia of Potomac; and Christian and Eva of Edgewater. He was preceded in death by his parents; and six brothers, Silas, Maynard, Dumane, Lloyd, Charles, and Nordin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Gideons.