Robert Nelson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Robert “Bob” Lee Nelson, age 84, lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in Dickinson, North Dakota. Bob’s life will be celebrated with Military Funeral Honors on Wednesday, April 9th, at 3:00 PM CT at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, ND.

 Bob, affectionately known as Papa to his children and grandchildren, was a consummate coach, volunteer, and leader in his community. While residing in California, he dedicated years of service to the San Ramon Valley Girls Athletic League (SRVGAL). He served as Board president while managing numerous softball teams, including the elite Stompers travel team. Upon moving to North Dakota, Bob founded the Hazen North Stars baseball team and spent years coaching his grandson, Mason Wiedrich, and numerous other young athletes. Under his coaching and management, The North Stars, a team from the small town of Hazen, clinched the North Dakota State Championships. Bob touched many lives through his knowledge of the game and took great pride in leading young athletes to reach their full potential. He will forever be remembered as “Baseball Bob” to those who knew him best.

 Bob was born on August 20, 1941, in Sioux City, Iowa, to parents Harvey G. and Geraldine E. Nelson. The family moved to New Mexico before finally settling in California.

 After attending high school in Simi Valley, California, Bob earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, graduating with Honors. As an expert in electrical engineering, he was recruited and transferred to the United States Air Force. While serving, he attended Stanford University, earning a Master of Science. After retiring from 12 years of military service, Bob opened his electronics company, Pacific Cyber Metrics (PC/M), in San Ramon and Dublin, California. He was also a hobbyist of HAM Radio with the unique identifier of K6KL, and formed lifelong friendships that spanned the globe.

Bob “Papa” will be greatly missed by his surviving family, including daughters Justine (Warren) Wiedrich and Suzanne (Gregory) McCormac, and by his five grandchildren, who he always encouraged, supported, and loved, including Delanie (Candace Nelson) Wiedrich, Mason (Danielle) Wiedrich, Megan McCormac, Aimee Wiedrich, and Kaylan McCormac.

 Bob was the eldest of five siblings and is survived by Carol Alker, Jim Nelson, John Nelson, and Shelley Boyd. His youngest brother, Michael Nelson, preceded him in death. Bob was also preceded in death by his former wife, Kaye Burrage Vukasovich.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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