Timothy J. “TJ” Nelson

Wasilla resident Timothy J. “TJ” Nelson, 31, died March 29, 2011, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.

Funeral services are at 3 p.m., April 1 at Valley Funeral Home, 151 East Herning Ave., Wasilla. Pastor Dan Bracken will officiate. Graveside services will follow at Wasilla-Aurora Cemetery in Wasilla.

Pallbearers include Jake Johnson, Kelly Nelson, Bobby Druley, Steven Johnson, Joey Seefeldt and Joey Kennedy.

TJ was born April 25, 1979, in Fargo, N.D. He and his family moved to Juneau in 1992, where attended elementary and junior high schools. TJ moved to Anchorage and then to Wasilla, where he resided until his death. He obtained his hazardous materials certification. TJ earned numerous awards, but what is most important was his compassion toward others. He was always helping someone out of the kindness of his soul.

He was a loving husband, son, brother and friend to many, but most of all a loving father who would go to any length to protect his family. TJ was a man who had an abundance of energy few could match. He lived many lives within one and was always looking for the next adventure — and generally found it. With a smile that could light up a room, he never met a stranger; he always met a friend and lived life to the fullest, touching many people along his journey.

He found his outdoor calling while young with his first job working for SAGA in Juneau, where all work was in, around and on the great Alaska trails. He had an invite for a month-long trip from Juneau to Whitehorse by canoe where he came within petting distance of a grizzly, but he loved that on-the-edge excitement and always looked for it. In his eyes, the faster the better — whether high marking an Alaska mountainside or racing across the land with a snowmachine or a motorcycle — if it had power and speed, that was his game. No one could match his skill at bargaining an order or a sale. He never claimed that title, but if there were one he would own it. TJ never left a phone call or a home visit to his family without saying he loved you. That was TJ: a gentle soul who loved unconditionally. Those whose lives he touched will never forget him.

TJ was preceded in death by his great-grandmothers, Mabel Nelson and Ida Sievert; great-grandfather, Axel Nelson; baby cousin, Dane Nelson; and great-aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Crystal Druley-Nelson of Wasilla; daughters, Quyanna, Trinity and Harmony Nelson, all of Wasilla; sons, Jay and Royce Nelson, both of Wasilla; mother, Terry Nelson of Wasilla; father, Steve Johnson of Wasilla; brother, Jake Johnson of Wasilla; uncles, Kelly Nelson of Sea-Tac, Wash., Kevin Nelson of White Oak, Texas, Tracy Nelson of Springfield, Ill., Mike Hornsby of Texas and Steve Hornsby of Anchorage; aunts, Vickie Shaffner of Seattle, Wash., Debra Barnes of Washington, Joy Fevig of Oregon; father-in-law, Robert Druley of Juneau; brother in-law, Bobby Druley of Juneau; and numerous cousins and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his surviving children, C/O of Crystal, HC 34, Box 2144, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home.