Roland Nelsen

It is with heavy yet thankful hearts that we honor the life of Roland Gale Nelsen, who passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 88 in Bismarck, North Dakota. Roland was a man whose life was defined by hard work, deep devotion to family, and an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ that shaped every chapter of his story.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 20 at 10:30 AM at Bismarck Funeral Home in Bismarck, North Dakota. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Minnewaukan, North Dakota in the spring. 

Roland was born on December 26, 1937, in Church’s Ferry, North Dakota, to George Nelsen Sr. and Annabelle Nelsen. He grew up in the Leeds area and graduated from Leeds High School, where he proudly played football for the Leeds Lions. Those who knew him often heard him reminisce about those years and how fast he was on the football field.

Following high school, Roland proudly wore the uniform of the United States Air Force as an Airman Second Class. His military service was a reflection of the character that defined him throughout his life: loyalty, dedication, and a deep love for his country. He often spoke fondly of his time stationed in Okinawa, Japan and remained extremely proud of having served. 

On February 20, 1962, Roland married the love of his life, Lila Lea Silberg. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and perseverance. Their marriage was blessed with four children, whom Roland loved deeply: Traci Ann, Cortney Alan, Michael Lee, and Maleah LeAnn. Roland and Lila shared 34 years together before her unexpected passing on April 17, 1996. Though he carried the ache of her absence for many years, he often spoke of the joy he felt knowing he would one day see his sweetheart again in heaven. 

Roland spent most of his adult life in Minnewaukan, North Dakota, after briefly living in California following his time in the service. He worked for the Benson County Highway Department for an incredible 50 years as a heavy equipment operator. Much of that time was spent operating a Caterpillar dozer, a job he truly loved. Roland worked hard his entire life and took great pride in the work of his hands, continuing to work well into his seventies simply because he loved what he did. 

But beyond his work and accomplishments, Roland’s life was defined by something even greater. Woven deeply into the fabric of his being was a story of redemption and faith that he shared with anyone willing to listen. His faith in Jesus Christ was not simply something he believed; it was the very foundation upon which his life was built. Roland spent countless hours on his knees in prayer and reading his Bible. His greatest desire was to see people come to know Christ, especially those he loved. He prayed relentlessly for each soul and spoke openly about the truth he believed with his whole heart. 

For many years Roland faithfully followed the call he believed God had placed on his life to preach. He would drive more than two hours each week to Jamestown and two hours back again, serving without pay, simply because of his love for his Savior and his deep desire to share the message of hope that had transformed his own life. 

Roland cherished every moment spent with his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. He adored his grandchildren and lit up with every hug from them. The joy he found in their company was unmistakable. Roland’s love often showed itself in simple but meaningful ways, like the many little treasures he would buy for the grandchildren he adored. Each gift was a small reminder that his greatest joy was found in theirs. 

Even in the final years of his life, as physical challenges grew, Roland’s faith remained unshaken. Those who loved him witnessed the depth of his relationship with the Lord in those quiet moments, often hearing him lift his voice in prayer as he continued to thank Jesus for the blessings of his life, for the family who surrounded him, and for the hope he knew awaited him. 

Roland often told his children that while he wanted to spend as much time as he could with them here on earth, he was ready whenever the Lord called him home. He looked forward to the day he would see Jesus face to face and be reunited with Lila. 

Roland is survived by his children: Traci Blackwood (Kevin), Cortney Nelsen, Michael Nelsen (Raquel), and Maleah Nelsen; his grandchildren: Kara Blackwood, Jared Blackwood (Kayla), Bailey Nelsen, Summer Nelsen, and Gabrielle Nelsen; his great-grandchildren: Jacob Blackwood, Jenna Blackwood, and Tessa Blackwood; and his sisters Kay Verke (Robert) and Lavonne Rardon (Von).

 He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lila Lea Nelsen; his mother, Annabelle Nelsen; his father, George Nelsen Sr.; and his brothers George Nelsen Jr., James Nelsen, Kenneth Nelsen, and Robert Nelsen. 

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Baptist Health & Rehab for the excellent care Roland received over the past three years.

 Roland lived a life marked by faith, perseverance, and love for his family. To his children he was a hero, a man who seemed invincible in their eyes, always strong and always faithful in prayer. Though he will be deeply missed, the legacy of his prayers, his testimony, and his unwavering faith will continue in the lives of those he loved.

 And while his family mourns his absence here on earth, they take comfort in knowing that the man who spent a lifetime speaking about heaven has now finally seen it for himself.