Loy Nelson

Loy G. Nelson, age 83 of Maskell, Nebraska died suddenly from an auto accident on Thursday morning September 17, 2026 near Wagner, South Dakota.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Maskell with the Rev. Chad Beckius officiating. Burial of his cremated remains will be at the Maskell Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington. Visitation will continue on Wednesday with the family one hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

To view a livestream of the Funeral on Wednesday you may go to www.facebook.com/WintzRay/live 

Urn bearer will be Paula Dendinger.

Loy was born March 13, 1943, in Maskell, Nebraska, to Donald M. and Sylvia J. (Gregg) Nelson. He grew up in the country, learning at a young age how to hunt, fish, ride horses, milk cows, and, most importantly, how to be resourceful. He met his “honey babe,” Karen Kay (Whelchel), and they were married on December 10, 1962. They lived in Sioux City, Iowa, for a short time before moving to Junction City, Kansas, where Loy worked on a dam. They eventually returned to the Maskell area, where they would build their life together.

Loy worked several jobs throughout the years, including trimming trees, farming, raising hogs, working at IBP, and working for Klinger Construction, Chris Hanson Construction, and Taylor Construction. He eventually found a partner in Bob Meyer, and together they formed Meyer-Nelson Contracting. Through the years, Loy and Karen worked side by side, very hard, to create a good life for each other and their family. They raised hogs and horses and built a life filled with hard work, family, and adventure.

Loy was a true cowboy. He trained many horses, both for himself and for others, and he loved to team rope, as a heeler. He enjoyed hunting with his family and friends, fishing, and camping. These were things he loved and proudly passed on to his children and grandchildren. Life was an adventure to Loy. He proved that when, at the young age of 40, he decided to learn how to snow ski. With Karen by his side, life was good, and together they believed they could do and get through anything.

Loy was a true protector and provider for his family. He was quick-witted and usually had advice, whether you wanted to hear it or not. He spoke his mind, and he never pretended to be someone he wasn’t. He was an awesome dad and an amazing grandpa. He loved Martin Irvin (1963–1983) and Tara Lynn with all his heart. His love for his family only continued to grow through the generations.

Being a great-grandpa, or “Papa,” was his latest role, and he took it on with so much love and pride. He said many times that Millie Kay was the reason he got up in the morning. Loy told us many times, “I’ve lived a good life,” and he did. But more than that, he gave us a good life. Thank you, Dad, Grandpa, and Papa, for being such an important part of our lives. We will carry the lessons you taught us, the memories you gave us, and the love you shared with us forever.

He is survived by his daughter, Tara Lynn (Darrell) Wieseler of Maskell; grandchildren Marti (Ethan) Pfister of Maskell and Colby (Jenna) Carlson of West Point, Nebraska; and great-granddaughter Amelia “Millie” Kay Pfister of Maskell, Nebraska; a sister Linda (Francis) Ausdemore of Ponca.

Loy was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Sylvia; wife Karen; son Marty; and grandson Emmanuel Carlson; brothers Martin and Larry; sisters Ivadell Burcham and Adell Bennett;