Michael Lawrence Nelson

Michael Lawrence Nelson, 64, of Laramie, Wyoming, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 27, 2015 in Billings, MT while traveling to Bozeman with his son Mark to visit his mother.

He was born March 17, 1951 in Burlington, Wisconsin to Lawrence and Frances (Krueger) Nelson. He and his family moved to Hamilton, MT, when Michael was three, and 6 years later the family moved to Bozeman. He graduated from Bozeman High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Kalamazoo College, studying abroad in France as part of that education. He then earned 2 Master’s Degrees: one in History from Montana State University and the 2nd in Library Science from the University of Washington in Seattle.

Michael was a Librarian for Montana State University and Montana Tech in Butte, MT. In 1984 Michael moved to Laramie, Wyoming to work for the University of Wyoming as a Reference Librarian. He was working as a Collection and Development Librarian at the time of his passing.

In September of 1991, Michael married Joyce Collum and they have two sons together. Matthew and Mark, who survive him. Although they later divorced, they remained very close friends and continued to love each other deeply.

Michael volunteered for Big Brothers and Sisters in Laramie, WY. He loved the outdoors, walking, hiking and cross country skiing. He loved trains and shared his love of railroading with his son Mark. He often took his son to the foot bridge over the tracks to watch the trains.

His greatest joy in life was being a father and a grandfather to his grandson, Benjamin Matthew. He was a wonderful father/grandfather and will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and unconditional love.

He was preceded in death by his father Lawrence in 2013. Survivors include his mother Frances Nelson of Bozeman, MT; former wife Joyce Nelson, sons Matthew (Kimberly) Nelson of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Mark Nelson of Laramie, Wyoming; grandson Benjamin Nelson; brother and sister-in-law Daniel and Rebecca of Ogden, UT; special friends Jim Reid, Steve Asleson and Wes Meyers.

A memorial service will be held (hopefully) 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 2, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Bozeman, MT. Service will be held at a later date in Laramie, WY.

Memorials may be made in his name to Big Brothers and Sisters Laramie, Wyoming, University of Wyoming Coe Library, Freedom to Read Foundation and National Public Radio.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.