Gwendolyn Marie Nelson

Gwenie Marie Thiel Nelson was born on June 21, 1958, to her parents, Arnold and Rose Thiel. She was the oldest of three siblings. She was raised in Sidney, MT where she attended school and graduated in 1976. In her younger years, Gwenie enjoyed training and showing Arabian horses, earning many awards and trophies.

Gwenie married Wesley Rohner in Sidney on April 12, 1980. They had two children, Terrance and La Lynda. Gwenie proudly continued her mother’s legacy at Thiel’s Upholstery, restoring many cherished furniture pieces and working on numerous car interiors.

In 1988 the family moved to Great Falls, MT for job opportunities, but after Wes passed away in 1993 Gwenie and her children moved back to Sidney. She then met and married Dennis Nelson in 1996 and moved to Homestead, Montana, where she gained four step children. She enjoyed her life on the farm, where she eventually started a quilt making business. She also went to work at the Culbertson hospital as a CNA for several years after being a full time caregiver to her Mother-in-Law for many years.

Gwenie’s faith was unwavering throughout her entire life. Her love for Jesus was undeniable. Those whose knew her, knew that she was quite possibly one of the strongest women alive and she didn’t let anything get her down for long. Her mission in life was to take care of her loved ones and spread the gospel through her personal testimony whenever possible. She even took the opportunity during an Uber ride to her treatment appointment to witness to her driver. She was a true inspiration. Gwenie always said her only wish is that she will meet all of her children and grandchildren in Heaven one day.

Gwenie passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND after a lengthy battle with kidney failure.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis Nelson of Homestead, MT; her son, Terrance (Nichole) Rohner of Sidney, MT; her daughter, La Lynda Nelson-Blotsky of Mayville, ND; step son, Scott (Amber) Nelson of Homestead, MT; step daughter, Amy Nelson of Austin, TX; step daughter, Lacy (David) Benkley of Billings, MT; step son, Kevin Nelson of Wichita, KS; 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Rose Thiel, her husband, Wesley, as well as her sister-in-law, Laura Thiel.

A memorial service will be held at the Cherry Creek Church in the spring of 2026.