Tod Allen Nelson

Tod Allen Nelson, 66, passed away at the Prairie Pines Extended Care Facility on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, surrounded by his wife and kids.

Tod was born on July 23, 1960, to Andy and Gloria Nelson in Lusk, Wyoming. He received his education in Niobrara County, graduating high school in 1978. He then went on to attend college at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, Wyoming, where he graduated with his Associates degree in Farm and Ranch Management. While attending school, he met and married the love of his life, Marilyn (Mellott) Nelson. They were married on October 20th, 1979. Their early years were spent moving around the state, leasing various ranches until they finally settled in Lance Creek, WY. Tod and Marilyn grew their family with the addition of their son Jeremy Nelson and then their daughter Amanda (Nelson) Martinez. The family continued to grow with the addition of their daughter-in-law Kelsey Nelson and son-in-law Joseph Martinez and 6 grandchildren: Kaydence Nelson, Jarrett Nelson, Mila Martinez, Avery Martinez, Oliver Martinez, and Eleanor Martinez. One of Tod’s favorite activities was chasing his kids and grandchildren all around the countryside to watch them compete or perform in various sporting events, competitions, and concerts.

Tod never met a stranger, making friends of all ages. Often, when a room of kids were getting too rowdy you can bet that Tod was in the thick of it, getting the kids riled up. He enjoyed visiting with anyone and everyone and often could tell you a person’s backstory minutes after meeting them. He wasn’t afraid to try new things, never backing down from adventure. Tod always offered a helping hand to anyone in need. Tod had the best smile and hearty laugh that could lift even the most downtrodden spirit.

Surviving Tod is his wife Marilyn Nelson of Lance Creek, children Jeremy (Kelsey) Nelson of Lance Creek, Amanda (Joseph) Martinez of Lusk, grandkids Kaydence & Jarrett Nelson, Mila, Avery, Oliver and Eleanor Martinez; brother Rod (Roxie) Nelson of Lusk, sister-in-law Lynn (Fred) Dewey of Moorcroft, brother-in-law Cris (Charlotte) Mellott of Sundance and sister-in-law Cindy (Mance) Hurley of Casper; 2 aunts Judy (Bob) Ruffing of Casper, Carolyn (Irv) Skillings of Casper, uncle Dennis Johnson of Manville and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents Andy and Gloria Nelson, father-in-law Melvin Mellott, mother-in-law Donna Mellott, grandparents Tod and Elouise Pate, grandparents Elmer & Billie Nelson, brother-in-law Jon Mellott, brother-in-law Rick Huether, aunt Algera Jensen, uncle Don Jensen, and cousin Brian Ruffing

Memorials to Prairie Hills Community Church or the Niobrara County School District Activities Fund would be appreciated by the family.

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