Niel Nelson was born July 25, 1932 to Andrew and Asbjorg Nelson on the family farm south of Arnegard. He was one of 7 children. In 1944 a move was made to Arnegard so they could attend school. Niel graduated from Arnegard High School in 1950.

After graduation he farmed with his father. In 1951 he married Maxine Sondrol and they lived on their farm 9 miles south of Arnegard. Niel started building their home in 1953 while working in the Oil Field and picking up jobs in the winter season. He managed Nelson Westlund Service in Arnegard for 5 years along with driving school bus.

In 1964 he went to work setting up Weather Modification programs in North Dakota and Montana. He was also involved in politics at that time lobbying for them. Later, his interests turned to carpentry. He finished his own home in 1972 and with friends built homes and out buildings, while farming with the help of younger boys he hired to give the chance to experience farm life. In 1979, Wayne and Barb took over the farming operation.

Niel was a member of the Watford City School Board. He was a charter member of the Watford City Eagles Club where he served as President. He looked forward to Friday nights serving hamburgers in the part in Arnegard as a Lions member.

Niel and Maxine moved into the City of Arnegard in 1983. During the next few years they would travel to Arizona for most of the winter or enjoy a cruise or warm weather getaway.

His hobbies included hunting and fishing in Canada and the US. He and Maxine traveled to many parts of the US and abroad. Later in life his favorite was playing 10 ½ at the Arnegard café and fire hall.

He is survived by his wife Maxine and three daughters, Cindy (Rick) Andersen, Bismarck ND, Barb (Wayne) Johnson Arnegard ND, and Peggy Ostrum of Bismarck ND. Five grandchildren, Chad (Rhonda) Kieson, Dickinson ND, Torey (Jodi) Kieson, Bismarck ND, Mica (Graham) Peterson, Bismarck, ND, Mandi (Chris) Dordol, Somerset WI, Shane (Lindsay) Johnson, Arnegard, ND and 14 great grandchildren. Brother, Marvin Nelson, Bismarck ND, and Sister Betty Bartolomei, Grand Forks ND. Many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Casey Johnson; and son-in-law, Derk Bakke; parents, Andrew and Asbjorg Nelson; three infant sisters; sisters, Doris Fisketjon, Williston ND, Ida Evanson, Livingston MT, Lyla Tweet, Fargo, ND and Arlis Fritsvold, Chaska MN.