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Duane "Kenny" Nelson • 1936 - 2011 Kenny was born September 28, 1936, to Oliver and Clara (Nygaard) Nelson, in Flaxton, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at the United Lutheran Church in Flaxton. He graduated from Flaxton High School in 1956. Kenny was inducted in the United States Army in 1960, serving until 1962. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Bowbells and began his career in the plumbing and heating business, Nelson Plumbing and Heating of Bowbells. He held a Masters Plumbing license. Kenny was united in marriage to Leatha Ann “Bea” Voss June 1, 1958, in Bowbells. They had made Bowbells their home throughout their married lives. He was active in the community, as a city cop, councilman for city of Bowbells, was mayor of Bowbells for 12 years, member of the Bowbells American Legion, a charter member of the Bowbells Jaycees, former member of the Stoney Run Sportsmen’s Club, the Bowbells Snowmobile Club, and the Bowbells Fire Department. His love for music began at an early age when he picked up his dad’s guitar and taught himself to play. This led him to join other music loving friends, where they soon were playing for dances in North Dakota and Montana. They initially called the band the “Troubadours,” which later became the “Dakota Playboys.” Kenny continued playing and singing at nursing homes and senior centers throughout the area up to the time of his death. His loving family includes: his wife of 52 years, Bea, Bowbells; sisters, Beverly (Arlo) Moberg, Tioga, and LaVerna (John) Hughey, Kansas City, MO; uncle, Floyd Nelson, Casper, WY; nephews, Dennis (Julie) Jacobson, Tioga, and Greg (Marcia) Durward, Havre, MT; nieces, Kathy Huravitch, Stanley, Rhonda Hughey, Kansas City, MO, Renae (Joe) Roche, Kansas City, MO, and Laurie Jo (Mike) Cronnelly, Kuna, ID; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and Gaynelle Durward, Havre, MT; and great nephews, great nieces, great great nephews, and great great nieces, and cousins. Officiant: Pastor Kathy Hammond Music: Honorary Bearers Active Bearers: Arlo Moberg, Norman Paulson, Wayne Paulson, Reiny Pfeifer, Bud Whitty, Don Presky, Delvin Westby, Danny Johnson, Robert Zook The graveside service will take place in the spring. Immediately following the funeral service, there will be a time of fellowship and lunch provided by the women of the church in the church’s Knowelton Center. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you
for your many acts of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers
are greatly appreciated during this difficult time.
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Duane “Kenny” Nelson, beloved husband, age 74, Bowbells, ND, passed away peacefully Friday, January 28, 2011.