Brian Scott Nelson

Brian’s services will be viewable on this page shortly before they begin.

Brian Scott Nelson, 58, Fargo, ND, died on February 22, 2024 at Hospice House, Sanford Broadway Medical Center with his wife by his side.

He was born on November 12, 1965 in Edmonds, Washington to Larry and Arlene Nelson. He attended grade school in Washington, then moved to Stanley, North Dakota with his family in 7th grade. He attended school in Stanley, graduating in 1984. In high school he played basketball and football, receiving a college scholarship for football as a kicker to Minot State College. He was an all-conference kicker at Minot State, and graduated with a BS in elementary education with two minors in drivers’ education and physical education. In 1991 he received a Master of Science degree in educational administration, preparing him for his next step, superintendent of schools. Brian taught elementary education from 1991-93 in Rolette for 5th and 6th grade. In 1993-95 he taught in Newburg as a 5th and 6th grade teacher and elementary principal. In 1995-96 he taught in Carson as a 5th and 6th grade teacher and elementary principal. From 1996-2003 he was the Berthold school superintendent, from 2003-2017 he was the Lewis and Clark superintendent as he spearheaded a school consolidation in that area. In 2017 he retired from Berthold, but still decided to be a superintendent down in Fairmount, ND from 2017-2023 as well as a superintendent in Rosholt, SD, from 2020-2023, sharing between the two schools, half-days every day. In his educational career, he also coached basketball, football, baseball, and taught drivers’ ed for many years as well as driving school bus for games and also bus routes. During his years at Berthold he participated in the Berthold fire department as a volunteer, and belonged to the Sportman’s club.

Brian loved fishing. He made many trips to Alaska fishing for salmon and halibut with family and friends. He especially loved lake time at the lakehome, pontooning with family and enjoying the children and grandchildren making memories. Brian and Ellen loved to travel, and had been on numerous cruises, with the first cruise being the proposal of marriage cruise! Brian loved supporting his family, and was at his kids’ sporting events and musical events all the time. Brian was caring, compassionate, and was very passionate about what he believed in. He spoke his mind and he always put children first in his profession and in his personal life. He often told his family he was the protector and the provider, and he worked hard to fill that role, while at the same time was very loving. As an example, he opened his home to people during the Minot flood, and would help others whenever he could. Brian was a HUGE Washington Huskies fan since boyhood, having seen numerous football games in person as well as a loyal fan on game day, piping the school fighting song loudly on a Saturday morning. While living in Fargo, Brian was on the Fargo School Board and he was currently serving on the Town and Country Credit Union board. In his spare time (spare time?) he drove Uber for extra money. He loved driving Uber, telling his family stories of the people he met. Brian had such an impact on so many people, including students and staff, and he will be forever missed.

Brian is survived by his soulmate and wife, Ellen, Fargo, ND; children Vanessa Hecker (Donavan), Fremont, CA; Angel Evenson (Eric), Naples, FL; Sean Zimprich, West Fargo, ND; Dylan Zimprich (Brooke), Lakota, ND; Elizabeth Elgie (Zac), Gillette, WY; Jordan Nelson, (Kayley), Minot, ND; Alex Nelson, (Shaylyn), Minot, ND; Isabella Zimprich, Fargo, ND; Victoria Zimprich, Fargo, ND; and Kade Zimprich, Fargo, ND.

Grandchildren Adlai, Maelle, Koryn, and Matthias Hecker, Nova and Knox Evenson, Kajsa, Kovr, and Kadri Zimprich, Jaxen and Charli Elgie, AJ and Mac Nelson, and Hudson Nelson.

Sister Paula Villanueva, (Tony), niece Emma and nephew Anthony, West Fargo, ND. Brother-in-law Paul Iverson, (Lynn), Nora Springs, IA, and mother-in-law Joyce Iverson, Fargo, ND. Brian also has numerous cousins and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Arlene Nelson, grandparents Oscar and Edith Rudolph and Harry and Anna Nelson.

In Brian’s honor, the family is encouraging attendees to wear Hawaiian-themed clothing.

A heartfelt and sincere thank you go to the nurses and nurse assistants, chaplains, social workers at the Hospice House for the impeccable care and true empathy shown to Brian and the family. It will never be forgotten.