Walter "Wally" Nelson

Walter Parks Nelson 1938 – 2025

Walter “Wally” Parks Nelson, 87, of Missoula, Montana, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, surrounded by family.

Wally was born in Billings, MT on June 23, 1938, to Isabel (Parks) and Walter Nelson. Wally spent a majority of his childhood in and around Laurel, MT, attending White Horse School south of Laurel, and graduating from Laurel High School in 1956. While in high school, Wally was an integral part of the Laurel Locomotive’s basketball team. His love for the sport continued throughout his life. Days after graduation Wally enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Though this enlistment meant he would not be able to accept a basketball scholarship to Eastern Montana College, he proudly served his country and would not have had it any other way.

Wally worked for many years with the JC Penney Company in Laurel, Lewistown, Bismarck ND, Billings, and Miles City, MT. He later owned Yellowstone Bar & Restaurant Supply in Miles City. After relocating to Cody, Wyoming, Wally worked at United Building Center and started Liberty Services Bail Bonds. He was a well-respected bail bondsman and continued the business until he retired and sold the company.

On September 6, 1958, Wally married Bernadine (Getz). Together they built a beautiful life, raising a son Greg and three daughters, Shari, Shelley, and Sharla, who were his pride and joy. Family was at the center of everything Wally did. Bernadine and Wally remained married for 59 years, until Bernadine’s passing in 2017.

During their time together, Wally and Bernadine were great friends with three other couples. They would often meet up on property owned by Judy & Bill Henderson in Nye, MT. These gatherings allowed their children to form lasting memories and gave the adults some much-needed relaxation. The couples stayed in contact throughout the years, making sure to always let each other know what was going on in their busy lives.

After Bernadine’s passing, Wally reached out to his longtime friend Judy. Judy’s husband had recently passed, and the two friends found comfort in their shared experience. Wally flew to Detroit for a visit, not expecting the friendship to blossom into a second chance at love. Wally and Judy celebrated their new union with a ceremony at St. Francis Xavier Church in November of 2019.

Wally will be remembered as an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fly fishing and could often be found on the Stillwater River. He loved buying and selling cars, especially Buicks, a passion he shared with his father and Uncle Bob. He also had a 1933 red Ford pickup that he was especially proud of, which he would occasionally show off in local parades.

Those that knew Wally will always remember his ability to balance his strength and toughness with his kind and gentle heart and sense of humor. He was sentimental and a bit of a romantic, never too afraid to say, “I love you.” His presence will be truly missed by all that knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his younger sister Sue Betz, first wife Bernadine, daughter Shelley (Nelson) Wettstaed, and grandson Corbin Jerrel.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Henderson; son Greg (Kathie) Nelson; daughters, Shari (Tom) Watson and Sharla (David) Jerrel; step-daughter Sherry (Ron) Peterson; grandchildren, Josie and Josh Nelson, Brandon (Kalen) and Blake Watson, McKinsey Jerrel (fiancée Michael Anderson), Briar Jerrel, Cady Steffan (Beux Dmitrich), Alex (Merrill) Sgromolo, Taylor (Lexi) Peterson; and great-grandchildren, Gordon Watson, Blakely, Avery, and Jaxon Peterson, Lucy and Henry Dmitrich; and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will cherish his memory.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the wonderful care Wally received at Edgewood Missoula Memory Care. Their kindness and patience will never be forgotten.