Jack Ivan Nelson

Jack Ivan Nelson passed away peacefully at home on May 30, 2026, at the age of 91.

 

Jack was born on August 22, 1934, in Missoula, MT, to Linnea and Erick Nelson. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister (Inge) Greta (nee Nelson) Huff and husband Gerald, his brother Torsten Ericksson and partner Hedwig Persson of Sweden, and his son Tracy Lee Nelson of Missoula.

Raised in Missoula, Jack developed a love of building and craftsmanship at an early age while working alongside his father building boats and houses. That passion remained with him throughout his life. He loved building original, unique pieces of furniture.  He later founded Jack Nelson Construction and became a respected contractor, helping shape the Missoula community through the construction of professional buildings, custom homes, and residential developments, including The Cobblestone, The Ridge, and the Linnea Apartments.

At the age of 21, Jack married Bonnie Jean Privett, and together they welcomed two children, Tracy Lee and Tina Linnea. He was later married to Billie Williams.  He regarded her son, David Williams, his wife, Beverly, and their children, Tena Dorendorf (Brad), Emily Moses (Courtney), Jennie Williams, Lucas Williams (Rachel), and Kyle Williams (Amber), and 8 great grandchildren as his family and was lovingly called Grampa Jack. 

 

Jack’s granddaughter, Tena Williams (Dorendorf), has submitted the following as a loving tribute to Jack:

 

“To the grandfather that never HAD to be one. He was technically my step-grandfather, but was the grandfather that every child dreams of. Jack Nelson died Saturday night, May 30, after a long, happy life in his home with his loving wife, Mary Jean. He was my friend, many times my confidant, but most of all a man that I just couldn't help but love like blood. He is the true meaning of the saying that family is not always blood. I will forever cherish him in my heart and will forever cherish all the things he taught me and the times we spent together which were many, right down to the weeks before he left this earth. I will miss you Grandpa. Thank you for being the father to my dad and the grandfather to me that you could have easily chosen not to be. My heart is happy to have known you and I'm glad you are no longer in pain and are finally with our Father in heaven.”

 

Jack was known for his strong work ethic, generosity, quick sense of humor, and genuine smile. In his younger years, he enjoyed both water and snow skiing, boating, fishing, and tinkering. He shared his passion for construction and craftsmanship with his father, his son, Tracy, and his nephew, Rodney.

Family and friendships were deeply important to Jack. Among his greatest blessings was the close relationship he shared with his sister, Greta, her husband, Gerald Huff, and their son Rodney Nelson Huff (Barbara). During their younger years, they spent countless hours together boating, fishing, skiing, laughing, and enjoying life. Many treasured memories were made at the family cabin on Seeley Lake, where time spent together strengthened bonds that lasted a lifetime. Jack deeply valued their companionship, friendship, and unwavering place in his life. 

Jack also cherished time spent at the cabin on Placid Lake that he built with Bonnie. They shared that with family and friends.  He also owned and operated the Clark Fork Station Restaurant in the Old Milwaukee Depot (currently Boone & Crockett).

Although Missoula was always home in his heart, Jack spent periods of his life living in Sandpoint, ID, and Tucson/Mesa, AZ. In his later years, he remained a master craftsman, creating fine furniture, a boat, and intricate models. His appreciation for quality workmanship and attention to detail never faded.

He married Mary Jean Kasper (nee Stur) in 1997 and they shared 28 years of marriage before his passing.  Jack and Mary Jean enjoyed traveling together, including a trip to Sweden to reconnect with his family heritage. They also explored much of the United States in their motor coach with dear friends and were active members of their church community.

One of Jack’s greatest joys was keeping close connections with his family. He looked forward to the many visits he shared each year with his daughter Tina (Jurgen) and granddaughters Linnea Rose and Anika Montana. He took genuine interest in their lives, always keeping up with the latest news and happenings with what he affectionately considered “his girls.” His love, encouragement, and interest in their lives were gifts they will carry with them always. He shared many of those visits with Rodney and Barbara hosting.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jean, brother-in-law, Frank Richard Stur of Crown Point, IN, his daughter Tina Leist (Jurgen); his granddaughters Linnea and Anika of Victoria, BC, Canada; his nephew Rodney Huff (Barbara) of Missoula, MT; nephew, Elmer Ericksson (Eva-Karin) of Hoorby, Sweden; Chuck Williams, step-son, Missoula, MT, and Bobbie Hilbun, step- daughter, Whitefish, MT, and many extended family members, dear friends, and all those whose lives were enriched by his kindness and friendship. He had lifelong friends in Bea and Bill Paulson (both deceased) of Lolo, MT, and Del and Betty Cortner of Puyallup, WA.

 

Jack also dearly loved the family cats, Casper, and Missy, who are really missing their “Dads” and how much he loved and spoiled them.

 

Jack will be remembered as a builder in every sense of the word, a builder of homes, communities, friendships, and family connections. Through his craftsmanship, integrity, humor, generosity, and devotion to those he loved, he leaves a lasting legacy in the lives of those who knew him.

In accordance with Jack’s wishes, no service will be held.