Loren J. Nelson, 72, of Phoenix, AZ, formerly of Maddock, passed away February 16, 2017 of a massive stroke at a Phoenix hospital. Grave side services and inurnment have taken place at the Viking Cemetery of rural Maddock with Pastor Allen Campbell officiating. Arrangements with Nelson Funeral Home.

Loren Nelson, son of Alvin and Ruth (Alfstad) Nelson was born July 12, 1944. He was baptized and confirmed at the Viking Lutheran Church. Loren graduated from BCATS in 1962 and enrolled at NDSU where he graduated in 1966 with a business degree. He married Jean Dybing in 1964 and they divorced in 1981.

Loren spent his entire career in the insurance industry. He worked for GAB, Farmers Union and Nodak Mutual Insurance. He owned Nodak Claims Service for a number of years before moving to Phoenix where he worked independently.

He is survived by his son, Jon (Marcy) Nelson of Bismarck; his daughter, Julie Kiser and former wife, Jean Nelson both of Fargo; 3 sisters, Donna Rice and Sandra (Dale) Olson both of Maddock and Marsha (Irv) Smith of Bismarck; and many nieces and nephews.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Alvin Nelson; his son-in-law, Cordell Kiser; his sister, Alva Stoa; his brothers-in-law, Jerry Rice, Don Stoa, Lowell Hugelen and Alf Dybing; and his father and mother-in-law, Gabe and Gertie Dybing.