Joel Brent Nelson, 68

Thief River Falls – Joel Nelson passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on October 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Joel Brent Nelson was born on June 25, 1958, to Leo and Vernice (Bakke) Nelson. He was a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1976 and married Kim Melvie on October 14, 1978. Joel and Kim welcomed four children: Bethany, Michael, Ryan, and Alexandra.
While Joel is perhaps best known for his years of owning and operating Nelson Equipment, he found time for many different hobbies and interests. Visitors to Joel’s Barn could expect spirited discussions of current events or poetry readings, sometimes in the same night. These discussions were likely set to a soundtrack that could include Mozart and Beethoven or George Jones and Willie Nelson.
His deep love of music was shared with all of his children, and he attended many concerts with them through the years.
Joel was also an avid outdoorsman, with some of his happiest times spent pheasant hunting with family and friends. He devoted much of his time to his home and the surrounding acres, which were lovingly referred to as “The Farm.”
Throughout his more than 45 years at Nelson Equipment, Joel was a dedicated member of the area’s ag and commercial communities. As a lifelong resident of Thief River Falls, he demonstrated his commitment to the community as a whole through his support of many area organizations. To honor this commitment, memorials are suggested to the Pennington County Humane Society or Thief River Falls Area Food Shelf.
Joel is survived by his children, Bethany (Daniel Niebuhr) Nelson, Michael (Christin Garske) Nelson, Ryan (Hannah Stock) Nelson, and Alexandra (Emmanuel Garza) Nelson; grandchildren, Daniella Niebuhr, Ava Niebuhr, Jack Niebuhr, Henrik Nelson, and Sylvi Nelson; the mother of his children, Kim Nelson; his mother, Vernice Nelson; siblings, John (Kelly) Nelson, Jed (Amy) Nelson, Jay (Florence) Nelson, Jared Nelson, Jana (Matt) Erickson, and Jim (Mandi) Nelson; and many lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Nelson, and nephew, Joshua Nelson.
Quote from one of Joel’s favorite poets, Charles Bukowski: “We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us.”
Per Joel’s wishes, no services are planned at this time.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.