Keith Nelson

Keith Nelson, 42, died unexpectedly on February 21, 2017 in Great Falls.A memorial service will be held Friday, March 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at New City Church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Keith was born on September 25, 1974 in Great Falls to parents Dale and Diane Deering-Nelson (McCloskey). He graduated from CMR High School in 1992 and attended both Carroll College and MSU-Bozeman. In 1997, he married Vickie Kingsland and together they had four children. Keith began his career at Touch America. He transitioned to the insurance industry, and over the years, worked at several agencies including Flynn, Western States, and Bryant Arrotta. He was most recently employed by the Great Falls Clinic. Keith was a proud US Army Reserve and National Guard veteran.He was a great family man and loving father, as well as a talented salesman and innovator that felt it his duty to help anyone in need. He was also a social man who was actively engaged in his profession, as well as the community. He was a past Committee Chair for the Young Agents of Montana, past President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Montana, past Membership Chairman of the Electric City Dirt Riders, board member of the High Country Motocross Association, board member of My Neighbor in Need, servant on the City of Great Falls Planning Advisory Committee, and a youth athletic coach for basketball and football. When he adopted a project or cause, he was in it for the long term. As a coach to his childrens grade school football and basketball teams, it was important to teach the skills of the game, teamwork, and fairness. His true passion in life was racing motocross with his family and friends. In 2016, he won the 40B championship in the HCMA series. He also enjoyed camping and watersports.Keith experienced private pain and struggle too much for him to bear. In search of resolution and peace, he chose to take his life. Keith will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is finally at rest in the Kingdom of the Lord.Keith is survived by his wife, Vickie Nelson; sons Conner and Bryce Nelson; daughters Alyssa and Brooke Nelson; mother Diane (Mike) McCloskey; brothers Kevin Nelson and Chris McCloskey; grandparents Carole Hull and Virgil and Kitty Nelson; uncle Steven Nelson; aunts Debra (Ken) Luraas, Dee (Mike) Trombetta, and Linda Deering; numerous cousins; his in-laws, Norm and Debra Kingsland, Kelly (Melissa) Kingsland; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.He was preceded in death by his father Dale Nelson, and grandfather Morris Deering.Donations may be made to New City Church in Keiths memory, 4114 N Park Trail, Great Falls, MT 59405.