Shane Nehring, 37, of Williston, ND passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at his residence in Williston, ND.

If horsepower, pool cues, and good-hearted mischief were a currency, Shane Michael "Bear" Nehring would’ve been the wealthiest man alive. At 37, Shane crossed the finish line of life on Saturday, April 19th, after an epic, hard-fought battle with cancer—one last showdown that only he could make look effortless.

From the moment Shane could talk, it was clear that cars would be his great love. Whether he was racing motorcycles, stock cars, drag cars, or diving headfirst into the mud for a good old-fashioned race, Shane didn’t just love speed—he was speed. If you ever lost track of him at a gathering, just follow the sound of revving engines, the unmistakable scent of motor oil, or the occasional shouted advice about someone’s carburetor.

When Shane wasn’t in the driver’s seat, you could find him aiming for bullseyes in the local pool and darts leagues, proving that his hand-eye coordination was just as legendary as his tire-scorching skills. Fiercely competitive yet endlessly generous, Shane was the guy who could school you in a game, then buy you a drink and give you heartfelt life advice immediately after.

Shane had enough nicknames to fill a racing roster: Bear, Fujimo, Sugar Shane, —each earned through wild adventures, late-night engine fixes, and moments of sheer brilliance. And whether he was offering a helping hand or standing his ground when needed, Shane made sure everyone around him knew he had their back.

Above all, Shane was a proud uncle and godfather, a title he took just as seriously as racing, pool, and fixing cars. Whether he was teaching his nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren the finer points of a good burnout, how to hustle a game of darts, or just how to live life at full throttle, one thing was certain: Uncle Shane was the fun uncle. The one who’d fill their childhood with stories they probably shouldn’t repeat in polite company but absolutely would treasure forever.

He is survived by his father, Danny Nehring and mother, Christine (Wade) Montgomery; sister, Misty (Dave) Ulvog; sister, Heather (Christopher) Cook; sister, Paityn Haas; grandmothers, Joyce Montgomery, Carol Gress; aunts and uncles, Renee Montgomery, Theresa Reitan, Lane Montgomery, Jackie (Tom) Piche, Loren Gress, Karyn (Brian) Udland; Rick (Denise) Nehring; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Special attention goes out to his best friends, John and Char Sieg for countless hours of care and compassion.

His family was his pit crew, and their bond with Shane was as unbreakable as the best-welded roll cage.

Shane is now reunited with those who crossed life’s finish line before him, brothers, Briot Nehring, Shaun Nehring; grandparents, Harold and Bea Nehring; grandfather, Harry Gress; uncles, Brien Gress, Michael Gress.

Though Shane has taken his final lap, his legacy of speed, kindness, and sheer determination will continue to live on in the stories, the laughter, and the occasional tire marks left behind in his honor.

Rest in peace, Bear. Your passion for life will never be forgotten, and somewhere out there, we just know you’re setting up for one more race.