Deb Nielsen

Deb (Gandrud) Nielsen, 58, of Billings, formerly of Culbertson and Reserve, passed away at St. Vincent Healthcare on March 6, 2016, following a very brief battle with cancer. Deb fought her battle very privately, and the cancer progressed very rapidly.

She was born on May 7, 1957, in Williston, N.D., to Joseph and Marie Gandrud. She was raised in Culbertson, where she attended school, graduating from high school in 1975.

Following high school, Deb married Loren Schledewitz and this union brought two children: Yolonda Jolene and Dell Reed. Deb and Loren later divorced. She married Mike Nielsen of Reserve in 1988 and welcomed his children Kristin and Ryan into her family.

Deb took great pride in decorating her home and kept her doors open for friends to visit regularly. Mom never missed a basketball game or event her children were involved in. They had a special place at Brush Lake and spent every possible summer weekend at the lake. She loved to bake and prepare meals for the harvest crew. After her kids were out of school, she and Mike moved off the farm to Billings, where she made many new and wonderful friends. She worked at the Rio Grand Casino and later was the manager of Cadillac Jax, where she worked until her illness made it too difficult for her to continue.

She was a diehard sports fan and cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Yankees for most of her life. She loved country music, especially George Strait. Throughout the years, she attended many concerts with her friends, kids and their friends. She will be missed by her customers and coworkers at Cadillac Jax, her many friends, and her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved deeply.

Deb is survived by her daughter, Yolonda (Jeff) Long of Enning, S.D.; son Dell (Erika) Schledewitz of Olympia, Wash.; grandchildren Jakob and Dylan Long, and Marcus, Lydia and Natalie Schledewitz; sisters Nancy Sundvold of Billings and Judy (John) Hofman of Walla Walla, Wash.; stepchildren Kristin (Randy) Kelm and their children Nolan and Keira of Reserve, and Ryan (Cristin) Nielsen and their son KR of Butte; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Marie; her brother, Joey Gandrud, Jr.; brother-in-law Duane Sundvold; former husband, Mike Nielsen; and her precious dog, Sandy.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 10, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. A celebration of life reception will be held at Cadillac Jax following the memorial service.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of one's choice.