Robin Nelson

After a prolonged battle with pain and multiple health issues, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, Robin Nelson passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Dec. 17, 2025.

Born Oct. 6, 1953, to Marcy and C.A. “Bill” Bishop, Robin moved to Polson in 1955. Raised alongside her four brothers, Robin’s life included many fun-filled moments along with memorable experiences such as excursions to the Bob Marshall Wilderness, skiing at Big Mountain and horseback riding. 

A graduate of Polson High School and the University of Montana (B.A. in Criminology), Robin met Mark Nelson at UM. They married in September 1978 sharing 47 years of marriage.

Robin transitioned from criminology to a successful career in insurance, eventually leading Bishop Insurance Service, the agency her father established in 1958.

Robin and Mark moved to Ronan in 1983. She served as president of the Independent Insurance Agents Association of Montana in 1996 and subsequently as a State National Director. Robin’s career was marked by her commitment to service and continuous professional development.

In 1985, Robin gave birth to her daughter, Micah. Robin was meant to be a mom, raising Micah to be a strong independent and loving woman. Micah brought her mother immense joy and motivation throughout Robin’s health challenges. Robin’s devotion extended to her son-in-law, Michael, and granddaughters Rosie and Isabel.

Believing everyone should give back to the world, Robin was deeply involved in the Ronan community, volunteering with Pioneer Days, the Chamber of Commerce, Safe Harbor and St. Luke Hospital Board, among others.

Despite serious illness, Robin continued to work and travel and received a life-saving pancreas and kidney transplant in 2015. Grateful to her donor, Jasmine Little Elk, she remained committed to honoring this gift.

Remembered for her dedication, integrity, kindness and resilience, Robin is survived by her husband, Mark, daughter Micah (Michael) Kemper, granddaughters Rosie and Isabel, brothers Pete (Robyn), Paul (JoAnn), Matt and Marty, and extended family.

The family encourages remembrance of Robin not just with sorrow but also with joy, reflecting on the beautiful life she led and the positive impact she had.

To honor Robin, donations may be made to: St. Luke Community Healthcare Foundation, 107 6th Ave SW, Ronan, MT 59864, stlukehealthcare.org; Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902, gift-of-life.org; or a children’s charity of your choice.

A celebration of Robin’s life will be held in summer 2026 at the family home on Flathead Lake.