Dean Nelson was born in Chadron, Nebraska, and raised in Lusk, Wyoming. He began his secondary education at Eastern Wyoming College before transferring to Chadron State College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Technology with a background in Education for grades 6–12.

Throughout his 25-year career, Dean has gained experience across a variety of industries, spending much of that time self-employed. He and his wife, Terrilou, owned and operated The Pub LLC—a bar and grill in Lusk—for 16 years, and he also spent a decade working for Union Pacific Railroad as an Engineer and Conductor.

In recent years, Dean has focused his efforts on the family farm and ranch east of Lusk, where he oversees haying and crop production. His operation includes five pivots of hay production, four of which are custom. Dean and Terrilou continue to make their home in Lusk, where he remains deeply connected to the local agricultural community.

Dean is licensed in Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota.