Erik Nelson

On Wednesday, November 23, 2022, Erik Nelson, loving husband and father of four children, went to heaven at the age of 81.

Erik was born March 14, 1941 in Denver, Colorado and was adopted a few days later by Dr. John Nelson and Marion Nelson.

He received two degrees in Agriculture and Animal Science from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO.

Erik worked as a rancher for several years on Cedar Creek Ranch. He then became the owner of The Rustic Bar in Saratoga, Wyoming and has owned it for close to 40 years. Erik also was the golf course superintendent for The Saratoga Inn for over 20 years.

On December 31, 1991, he married Judy Welton. Erik was a faithful, loving, and devoted husband to Judy for 31 years.

Erik cherished his friends and companions who came to visit him at The Rustic Bar. He had the ability to befriend anyone at the bar no matter what background they came from. He also enjoyed bringing live music to play at the Rustic Bar and he loved to dance with Judy at the bar.

Erik had a passion for golf and he loved to play different golf courses across the country. He loved watching football–especially his CSU Rams & the Broncos.

He loved gambling in Blackhawk and was always came home with wins.

Erik enjoyed hunting in his younger years and always loved animals–especially Buddy, his cat.

Erik was preceded in death by his father, John, his mother Marion and his sister Gretchen.

He is survived by his wife Judy, his two children, Seth Nelson (Brook) and Adde Nelson, his two stepsons, Brandon (Tracy) Welton and Brady (Terra) Welton, 8 grandchildren; Ben, Bella, Sage, Ryland, Devin, Hayden, Nelson and Reese.

Erik's close friends were like family to him and he was preceded in death by Ed Sholine, Dave Johnson (Dave gave him his nickname of "The Troll"), Valle Evans, Jim Hull and Kendal McBride.

Erik's life will be honored on Sunday, December 18th from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Rustic Bar in Saratoga, Wyoming.