Gary Wayne Nelsen

Gary Wayne Nelsen, age 70, of Conifer, Colorado, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 25, 2023. Gary was born in Pickstown, South Dakota on December 5, 1952, the son of Lavon and Wayne Nelsen of Lake Andes, SD.   He graduated from Andes Central High School.  After graduation he married Veronica Honomichl of Wagner, SD, and entered training to become an x-ray technician. Gary and Ronnie and their two sons, Troy and Travis, moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he began his career with DuPont selling x-ray film.  He later moved to Waukesha, WI, where he met and married Laura Gamboeck.  In 1997 they moved to Greenville, SC and then to Colorado where he worked his way through several companies to become Vice President of Medical Sales of North America. After college, Gary’s sons relocated to Austin, TX.  Gary remained close and was always proud of their accomplishments as they navigated their way through the music world in Austin.

Gary started going to Steamboat Springs with friends in 1980 and fell in love with the mountains of Colorado.  He and Laura bought a condo there in 2008 and it has forever been “their happy place.” Over the years they enjoyed sharing the beauty of Steamboat with their family and friends. His passion was being outdoors.  He loved camping, fishing, fly fishing, hunting, and golf.  Hunting deer and elk in Colorado, deer in Wisconsin, and pheasants in South Dakota gave him the opportunity to see friends while he spent time doing what he loved.

Gary was a “forever Green Bay Packer fan.” Even as a young boy when most South Dakotans were fans of the Vikings, he favored Green Bay. He probably had the largest collection of Green Bay memorabilia on this side of the Rockies.  Gary and Laura also enjoyed the love of their dogs.  Over the years they gave a home to 5 Gordon Setters, most with names of Green Bay players.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Nelsen of Lake Andes, SD and his son Travis Nelsen of Austin, TX.  Survivors include his son, Troy Nelsen, Bastrop, TX; wife, Laura Nelsen, Conifer CO; sister Nancy Jones (Courtland), Herndon, VA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HAAM, Health, Alliance for Austin Musicians. HAAM provides affordable healthcare for Austin musicians who are self-employed and have no access to health insurance and basic healthcare.  For complete information visit myhaam.org