Charles "Bill" William Nelson Jr.

Charles "Bill" William Nelson Jr., Lander, Wyoming, a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 88 years old.

Bill was born on September 9, 1937, in Virginia, Minnesota, to the late Charlie and Lila Nelson. Raised on the Iron Range, he grew up with a strong work ethic and a sharp sense of humor, always entertaining his extended family with mischievous antics. In 1957, he proudly joined the U.S. Army and served four honorable years. While stationed in Germany, he married Monica Henriette Schroeder Duty, and in 1960 they welcomed their son, James “Jim” Nelson. Bill experienced deep loss when Monica passed away in an accident in 1963, leaving him to raise their young son. In March of 1966, he married Patricia Mae Currie in Kingman, Arizona, and together they built a loving blended family and shared 41 years of marriage.

Bill dedicated more than four decades to the construction and mining industry, working hard at Western Nuclear, Brasel and Sims, Bruce Nygard, and Emulsified Asphalt until his retirement in the early 2000s. Retirement didn’t slow him down. Bill loved the outdoors and could often be found riding his electric scooter around the property, going fishing with his kids, or enjoying his passion for firearms—especially skeet shooting with his cherished 12-gauge shotgun. He also enjoyed being connected through Facebook, where he shared jokes and stories, kept up with family, and exchanged daily messages with his dear friend, Joanie Meglich. Most of all, he treasured having his family together under one roof—whether for holidays or just a quick visit.

Bill is survived by his children: Jaylynn Gisi (Steve) of Riverton, Wyoming; Billy Nelson of Lander, Wyoming; Cassandra Hernandez (Matt Le Clair) of Riverton, Wyoming; Katina Mattis (Mark) of Torrington, Wyoming; and Tricia Newman (Mike) of Lander, Wyoming. He was the proud grandfather of sixteen grandchildren: James Nelson, Monica Nelson, Billy Nelson, Josh Nelson, Taylor Lower, and Myriah Bebo, all children of Jim Nelson; Alec, Eric, and Jesse Krause, children of Jaylynn Gisi; Breana Nelson, Sarah Nelson, and Krystal Boehler, children of Billy Nelson; Tyler Hernandez and Jason Hernandez, children of Cassandra Hernandez; and Scott and Patrick Newman, children of Tricia Newman. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren—Zoe, Tegan, and Samuel Nelson—as well as his sister, Gerri Wiermaa of Arizona City, Arizona, and his brother, Jim Nelson of Riverton, Wyoming.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Mae Nelson; his parents, Charlie and Lila Nelson; his son, James “Jim” Nelson; Jim’s mother, Monica Nelson; and his grandson, Scott Currie Newman.

In true Bill fashion, he made his wishes for his obituary simple: “Bill’s dead. Enough said.” His family, however, felt his life deserved to be shared, remembered, and celebrated.

The Nelson family would like to express gratitude to Nuclear Care Partners and Enhabit Home Health for the excellent care our father received. Monique, Shanna, Leslie, Brandy, Treeva, Kali, Janeira, Matt and Glenda, thank you for taking care of us as well.

Please sign the on-line guestbook: hudsonsfh.com.