Ardell J. Nelson, 78, of Karlstad, Minnesota passed away at his home on Friday, July 3, 2026. 

Ardell was born May 21, 1948 at Roseau, Minnesota, the son of Gilman and Reatis (Kimble) Nelson. He grew up in Wannaska, Minnesota and attended high school in Roseau. After completing his education he entered the U.S. Army and served in Viet Nam. He returned from military service in 1969. Ardell settled in Roseau and worked for Polaris Industries. 

On June 13, 1970 he was united in marriage to Karyl Simmons at Gatzke, Minnesota. Ardell began working on the Diamond H Ranch and later moved to Mentor, Minnesota where he and Karyl lived for a year. They moved to Warroad and Ardell worked at Marvin Windows until 1980 when they moved to Colorado. Ardell worked on the Gentry Ranch until 1983 when they moved back to Wannaska. He was employed at Marvin’s until 1990. The couple returned to Colorado that same year and Ardell continued with the Gentry Ranch until 1993 when they moved back to Minnesota. They settled in Skime and Ardell returned to Marvin’s, retiring in 2010 because of failing health. In 2017 they moved to Karlstad.

Survivors include his wife, Karyl; daughters, Karie (Dion Prosser) Nelson, Halma, and Shanda (Jeffrey) Nobles, Halma; six grandchildren; Amanda, Ashley (Travis Rector), April, Devin (Cheyenne), Josie and Emily; nine great grandchildren; four brothers, Arnie (Karen) Nelson, Roosevelt, MN, Alfred (Delores) Nelson, Greenbush, MN, Calvin Nelson, Badger, MN and Carl (Clarissa) Nelson, Wannaska, MN; sisters, AnnaMay (JimBob) Miller, Roosevelt, Ardis (Don) Thompson, Warroad, MN and Vivian Dahl, Wahpeton, ND; as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ricky; and a nephew, Elden.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Wannaska Community Center.