Adam Nelson, 52

Adam Jacob Nelson
June 1, 1973 —May 14, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Adam Jacob Nelson of Rathdrum, Idaho, known to many as “Buster” or “Bud,” on May 14, 2026. Adam was born June 1, 1973, in Clarkston, Wash., to Patrick and Barbara Nelson (Lalonde). He was raised in Lewiston, Idaho, and surrounded by a large and loving family, including his older sister, Gina Dagelen. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1991 and then moved to Coeur d’Alene to attend North Idaho College’s Machinery program.

Growing up, Adam enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, snowboarding and bicycling. He had a lifelong passion for cars and motorcycles. During the summers, he volunteered with the forest service in Elk City, clearing trails and repairing box culverts. He also worked as a bicycle mechanic for several years in both Lewiston and Coeur d’Alene before beginning his career in machining/programming at Altek, Inc. in Liberty Lake, Wash., in 1992.

Adam met his wife, Jennifer, in 1991, when they lived in the same apartment building on North Idaho College's campus. Sitting on his window perch, he yelled down to her and introduced himself. The connection was instant. They married three years later (1994) at the Blackwell House in Coeur d’Alene. In February 2008, they welcomed their daughter, Olivia Kay, and lived in Post Falls until 2019, then moved into their newly built home in Rathdrum. Adam worked as a CNC machinist and later advanced into programming until his illness led him to take full disability in July 2025, so he could focus on his health.

Throughout their years together, Adam and his family enjoyed camping, traveling to the Washington and Oregon coasts, ATV riding, fishing, playing disc golf, gardening, hosting parties (including beer tastings), attending Spokane Chiefs and Vancouver Canucks hockey games, going to concerts and comedy shows, watching Broadway plays and attending several racing events.

Anyone who knew Adam loved him. He was kind, passionate and adventurous, with an infectious smile. Some of his favorite things were playing video games, building Legos, watching hockey and working on cars. Even as his illness progressed, he kept a strong zest for life. He was always planning new projects, including learning bodywork and painting cars. He nearly finished restoring Olivia’s car and removing dents, painting it purple, adding a spoiler and replacing the front grill and taillights.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jennifer Nelson (Nowlan); his daughter, Olivia Nelson; his father, Patrick Nelson of Lewiston; his sister, Gina Dagelen (Joe) of Lewiston; his in‑laws, Dale and Sandy Motz (Nordby) and Wilfred and Kris Nowlan of Post Falls; and his brother‑in‑law, William Nowlan of Post Falls. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and one grandniece. He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Nelson (Lalonde).

His journey ended far too soon, but his love will always be felt.

At Adam's request, there will be no formal service. Instead, a celebration of life will be held later in the year for family and friends. Announcements will be sent out. He asked for a large bonfire where everyone could share their stories, toast, laugh and listen to his favorite music.

    Nelson