Lonnie Dwayne Nelson, 72

Lonnie Dwayne Nelson, 72, passed away peacefully at his home in Columbia Falls Nov. 25th, 2024. He was born Jun. 24th, 1952 in Auburn, Washington to Dwayne and Shirley Nelson. He married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Cestnik in 1972, and their three children, Lacy, Skylar and Michael were all born in Whitefish and raised in Columbia Falls.

Early in their marriage, Lonnie and Suzanne played music around the Flathead Valley and on the road with the family country rock band called Windrift for several years.  He worked at Columbia Falls Aluminum Company for 33 years, later retiring from maintenance at the Whitefish Lake Lodge. Lonnie enjoyed going to the family cabin “Rat Mountain,” going out on the Hungry Horse Reservoir in his mom and dad’s boat the “Y Knot,” taking his dogs on drives, spending time at the river, and always listening to music and instrumentals he loved. He openly expressed to those around him that he “Never had it so good,” and that he was “The luckiest dog there ever was”. 

Lonnie was preceded in death by his father Dwayne Nelson, wife Suzanne Nelson, son Skylar Nelson, sister-in-law Dixie Nelson, parents-in-law Louis and Frances Cestnik, and brother-in-law Michael Cestnik.

He is survived by his mother Shirley Nelson, brothers Randy Nelson and David (Debbie) Nelson, daughter Lacy (Mike) Toavs, Son Michael (Stephanie) Nelson, his two grandchildren Ayla and Isaac Toavs, and many nieces and nephews.  

Memorial services are not planned at this time. To send online condolences please columbiamortuary.com. Columbia Mortuary is caring for the family.