MICHAEL B (MICK) NELSON

Michael “Mick” B. Nelson, 70, of Eureka, MT passed away at his home surrounded by his daughter and son-in-law on Friday, September 8, 2017, due to a seven year battle with cancer.  He was born December 13, 1946 in Walla Walla, WA to Grant and Elaine (Helburg) Nelson.  Mick grew up and attended school in Eureka, MT graduating from Lincoln County High School with the Class of 1964, remaining close to many of his classmates throughout the years.  He attended college in Billings for 2 years and then returned to Eureka to work, where he was drafted into the United States Army.   Following his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Mick returned to Eureka where he went to work for his father who owned Koocanusa Plumbing & Electric.  He married Patsy Stevens Lancaster in 1973 and had two children; Bonnie Jean and Grant. The two later divorced but remained friends and traveling companions. 

Mick obtained his Master Plumbing license in 1973 and his Master Electrical License in 1979. Mick apprenticed many employees that worked for him. He never stopped helping or teaching people in the community. He was a vast well of information and stories. Mick never retired. He wanted to stay connected with people, and he still had stories to tell.  He was a Eureka volunteer firefighter for 25 years. Mick enjoyed the activities that northwest Montana offered.  He liked hunting, camping, boating, beer, fishing, four wheeling, storytelling and his finding a great swimming hole, drives with his buddy Dave Hull, and spending time in the outdoors. Late in life Mick earned Gold Medallion Delta SkyMiles status for his accumulated travel time; a title that still confounds his family, as much as he loved staying home in the Eureka area.  

            Survivors include his children Bonnie Nelson-Conard (Donald) grandchildren Mickayla and Madyson of Eureka; Grant Nelson (Becky) of Burley, ID; Misty Kintz (Ted) of OR; and Chad Yatch of Billings, MT; his sister Dianne Schermerhorn (Dexter) of Eureka; ex-wife Patsy Smith.

            Graveside services for Mick will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Tobacco Valley Cemetery in Eureka, MT. Immediately following will be a great story telling opportunity at the Abayance Bay Resort on Lake Koocanusa. All friends and family are invited to share stories.  Please come and enjoy a potluck luncheon and share stories. Hamm’s Special Light Beer is welcome. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home of Eureka.  Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting