Frank 'Put' Nelson

Frank 'Put' Nelson

Frank "Put" Nelson, 66, of Havre, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at his brother's home of natural causes. Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at the Eagles. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Frank was born on Feb. 16, 1946, in Williston, N.D., to Walter and Thelma (Venne) Nelson. He was raised in Williston, attending schools there. Following his school years, he attended barber college in Alaska, and worked as a barber in Havre for several years. He followed his barber work with trucking, traveling all over the United States.

"Put", or "Grandpa Frank," as he was known to many, was a fun-loving man, who was always willing to listen and learn and thought he was a jack-of-all-trades. He is remembered as being very intelligent and a professional truck driver. He was also a good teacher. Frank was always on the go, but he always had time for baking (and eating) sweets or just picking up his Donettes or Nut Goodies at the store. He enjoyed hunting, camping and watching his grandchildren rodeo. But he loved spending time with children, especially his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Thelma Nelson; his sister, Betty Nelson Casey; and his brother, Warren Nelson.

He is survived by his daughters, Kristy (Brian) Torgerson of Colstrip, and Michelle Nelson of Fargo, N.D.; his adopted daughter, Tanya (Manny) Duran of Box Elder; his adopted son. Richard Schmockel of Box Elder; his nine grandchildren; his former wife. Cynthia Schmockel of Box Elder; his brother, Donnie (Joann) Nelson of Havre; his sisters, Debby (Bob) Turner and Shelley (Mike) Brandon, all of Havre, and Jenny Ryder of Williston, N.D.; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.