Dennis Arthur Nelson

December 30, 1943 – April 14, 2025

Dennis Arthur Nelson was born December 30, 1943, to George Phillip and Anna Marie (Babst) Nelson, in Seattle, Washington. He moved with his family to Wenatchee when he was five. Dennis grew up with horses and was especially proud of the time he spent riding Arabians for W. B. Fields. He graduated Wenatchee High School in 1962. In 1963 he married Linda Brewer and welcomed their son, Bradley Phillip Nelson. The family moved to Seattle in 1966 where Dennis worked for Boeing and then in the parts department of Bill Blume Volkswagen. In 1971 he married Carolyn Hersey. After completing the course in farriery at Olympia Vocational Technical Institute, he moved with Carolyn and Brad to Yakima in 1973 and began his 51 year journey as a farrier. He was a member of the American Farriers Association and the Farriers Association of Washington State serving on the board for several years. He completed the requirements and was designated a Certified Journey Farrier by the AFA.

Dennis loved his work and his relationship with the horses and the people who loved them. Over the years, he and Carolyn took care of many horses for others as well as their own at their Ahtanum Valley home. In his spare time, Dennis enjoyed riding in clinics and the many areas surrounding the valley.

Dennis passed away at home in hospice care April 14, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his son Bradley (Brenda) Summerville, SC; his granddaughter, Brooke Munro, Seattle; and siblings John (Sharon) Maury Island; Kathy (Steve) Chelan; Joe (Lynn) LaConner; Mary Anderson, Sumner , and Marie (Ray) Skaugs, Columbus, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, June 6, 2025, 11:00AM, Cascade Gardens, 5704 W. Washington, Yakima. Keith and Keith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the non-profit of your choice.