Brad Nelson, 75

Brad Nelson of Bigfork passed away at Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell on Friday, May 26 surrounded by his loving family. He courageously fought esophageal cancer for over a year and battled until the end.

Brad was born in Wolf Point to Ervin “ET” and Audrey Nelson. He was raised in Missoula, Frenchtown and Gildford and made lifetime friends in each location. Brad participated in athletics at Gildford High School and graduated in 1965.

After graduation, he attended Northern Montana College for a year and eventually enlisted in the Navy. Brad served on a destroyer, the USS Carpenter, during the Vietnam War. The ship was also involved in retrieving astronauts after early Apollo space shots. Brad was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1970 and additionally served a year in the Montana Army National Guard in 1985.

Following his term of duty, Brad returned to Northern Montana College where he also played baseball for the Northern Lights. While attending college, Brad initiated his 25 year, USPS career at the Havre Post Office. Brad enjoyed living in Havre and played fastpitch softball all over the region. At a softball game, his long hair earned him the affectionate nickname “Sally”.

In 1976, Brad was selected to be the postmaster in Dupuyer. During his time in Dupuyer, he met the love of his life, Marj Carlson. Brad and Marj met while skiing at Teton Pass near Choteau and were married in July of 1976.

Brad also served as the postmaster in Big Sandy and Cut Bank, and he finished his USPS career in the Billings Post Office as an Exam Administrator for the state of Montana. Brad retired to Bigfork in 1995 and loved the community. Always looking to help, he served as a volunteer firefighter for the Bigfork Fire Department, Rotary, Montana Postmaster’s Association, cleared snow and mowed countless yards.

Brad could often be found at Eagle Bend Golf Course, either golfing or working. He worked as a pinsetter at Eagle Bend and was an assistant coach for the Bigfork High School golf team for nearly 20 years. Sharing his love of golf and helping kids provided Brad a lot of joy.

Brad’s biggest love was his family. Together, he and Marj enjoyed following their children’s sports activities and interests and later in life they traveled the world. Brad and Marj visited every continent except for Antarctica. In March of 2023, they enjoyed a World War II tour in Europe with their traveling partners, the Webbs.

Marj and Brad purchased a second home in Green Valley, Arizona and enjoyed spending the past three winters there. In February, Brad joined Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley.

Brad loved all sports, especially golf. He had a competitive spirit and enjoyed horseshoes, bowling and playing bridge. Brad was quick with a laugh, had a very easy-going demeanor, and brought the fun to any gathering. He loved and was loved dearly by numerous people.

Brad is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Marj; son, Dan (Kasumi) of Portland, Ore.; son, Andy (Heidi) of Columbia Falls; and daughter, Jocelyn Gerbozy (Jason) of Kalispell. Brad’s nine grandchildren include Adam, Audrey and Grahme Nelson, Quintin and Ella Gerbozy, and Malainy, Clara, Hudson, and Corbin Patton. Brad is also survived by his brother, Ron of Kailua Kona, Hawaii; sister, Carla (Bob) Clevenger of Green River, Wyo.; aunt, Jordis (Lee) Foster of Seattle; several nieces and nephews; and his sidekick, Murray.

Brad’s celebration of life will be on Sunday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. with brunch to follow at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, 550 Lutheran Camp Rd. Lakeside. Following brunch, a reception at 2 p.m. will be held at the Harbor Village Boat House at Eagle Bend, 371 Eagle Bend Drive, Bigfork.

In lieu of flowers and those wishing to honor Brad, the family requests donations be directed to a golf scholarship that is being established through Bigfork High School, VFW or Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp.