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In memory of

Olaf "Ole" Nelson

of Midland, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip, SD at the age of 75

Olaf "Ole" Nelson, age 75, of Midland, died Tuesday evening, July 10, 2007, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital.

Olaf Nelson was born September 8, 1931 at the family farmstead north of Midland, the son of Oliver and Edrie (Faubel) Nelson. He grew up and received his education north of Midland, attending the Pleasant View rural school and Midland High School, graduating in 1949. After graduation, he worked on the ranch for a short time before entering the United States Army. Ole served in the Korean War. While in the service Ole received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. After his honorable discharge, Ole returned to the ranch where he worked with his father and brother.

Ole was united in marriage to Rose Rittel on July 22, 1964, in Kadoka, South Dakota. They lived on the farm-ranch northwest of Midland all their married life.

Grandkids were Ole's pride and joy, cherishing every moment he spent with them. Ole enjoyed everyday life on the farm and music, playing the piano, banjo, mandolin, as well as singing. He was a member of the "Farmhands" band and also played with PeeWee Dennis in his band.

Survivors include his wife Rose of Midland; five sons Wes Nelson and his wife Nicki of Midland, Wayne Nelson and his wife Stacey of New Underwood, Wade Nelson and his wife Becky of Ft. Pierre, Justin Nelson of Durant, Iowa, and Curtis Nelson and his wife Tanya of Pierre; eight grandchildren; two brothers Clayton Nelson of Pierre and Roald Nelson of Philip; three sisters Arline Petoske and her husband Clarence of Midland, Nadine Stamm and her husband Richard of Greensburg, Louisiana., and Marcia Jackson and her husband Bill of Hot Springs; one sister-in-law Delores Nelson of Anderson, California; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ole was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter Jennifer Nelson on January 16, 2007; and a brother Rupert Nelson in the Korean War.

Visitation was held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 13, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Saturday. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland, with Pastor Paul Bly officiating.
Interment will be in the Midland Cemetery.
A memorial is established.
Memorials may be sent to 22800 Ottumwa Rd., Midland, SD 57552.
Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip. 

FUNERAL SERVICES: Saturday, July 14, 2007 – 2:00 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church Midland, South Dakota
CLERGY: Pastor Paul Bly
MUSIC: Joyce Wheeler – Lyndy Ireland,James Nelson: "Daddy’s Hands"
USHERS: Mickey Daly – Jim Petoske, Richard Butler – Lane Butler
PALLBEARERS: Wes Nelson – Wayne Nelson – Wade Nelson, Justin Nelson - Curtis Nelson – James Nelson, Bryan Nelson – Chandler Nelson – Austin Nelson, Abbigail Nelson – Aaron Nelson – Savannah Nelson,
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS BY THE AMERICAN LEGION POST #143 Midland Cemetery Midland, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES: Saturday, July 14, 2007 – 2:00 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church Midland, South Dakota 
CLERGY: Pastor Paul Bly 
MUSIC: Joyce Wheeler – Lyndy Ireland,James Nelson: "Daddy’s Hands" 
USHERS: Mickey Daly – Jim Petoske, Richard Butler – Lane Butler
PALLBEARERS: Wes Nelson – Wayne Nelson – Wade Nelson, Justin Nelson - Curtis Nelson – James Nelson, Bryan Nelson – Chandler Nelson – Austin Nelson, Abbigail Nelson – Aaron Nelson – Savannah Nelson, 
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Relatives and Friends in Attendance 
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS BY THE AMERICAN LEGION POST #143 Midland Cemetery Midland, South Dakota

  • We are so sorry for your loss. He was such a nice man. We are sorry we couldn't be there for the service. Know that you were and continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Bruce, Lynn and kids ~ Bruce & Lynn Dunker and family Wall, SD (7/10/2007)
  • Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
    Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
    Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
    Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
    Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.
    Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
    Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
    Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
    Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
    Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.
    Happy trails to you, it's great to say "hello".
    And to share with you the trail we've come to know.
    It started on the day that we met Jesus,
    He came into our hearts and then he freed us.
    For a life that's true, a happy trail to you.
    ~ Annonymous (7/10/2007)
  • Dear, dear Rosie, Wes, Nicki, James and all,
    Our hearts and prayers are with you now and in the future. We always remembered and admired Ole for his quiet wisdom and humor. We remember his delight at each and every grandchild. Jen, I know, was right there to greet him as he received his promotion to glory.
    God bless and keep you.
    ~ Lyndy & Kenny Philip,SD (7/10/2007)
  • Our hearts are heavy with your loss. You have gone through so much this past year and now you have another tremendous hurdle to cross. Just know that we are there by your side, in thoughts and prayer, and with the strength of the Lord we will persevere. Ole was such a pillar in your family. I know he will be greatly missed. Now he can be with his beloved Jennifer again. May his soul rest in peace. Friends can only lend so much at this time, but just know that we are there for you in whatever capacity you need. Steve, Susan and family ~ Steve and Susan VanTassel Midland (7/10/2007)
  • To the family of Olaf------
    When I was little growing up next to the Nelson's as our neighbors I have lots of memories. Ole was a quiet, easy going, laid back person he didn't get too excited about things. One evening we arrived back from my grandparents home to find that there was a wet ground all around my parents new car--- we wasn't quite sure on what happened until a few minutes later when Ole was bringing Justin and Curtis over to apologize for what they had done! From that moment I realized you NEVER want to make Ole mad. Our car did survive the mud bath. As I grew older and would see Ole he would always have a "HI" for me. I am saddened to hear the news of Ole's passing. Our sincere sympathy goes out to all of the Nelson family. Lacy, Blake and Braden Puhlman
    ~ Lacy, Blake and Braden Puhlman Philip, SD (7/10/2007)
  • Wayne, Stacey and to the family of Olaf Nelson: Our sincere sympathy goes out to all of you as it truly has been a year marked with sadness. May the prayers that will be said for your family and Ole comfort you now. ~ Dale and Trudy Brassfield New Underwood, SD (7/10/2007)
  • I am so sorry to hear of Ole's passing. I really wish I could be home for the funeral. Ole was such a nice man. I loved how he would just sit and take it all in and then smile. He always made me smile. My heart hurts for all you have gone through this past year. Please let me know if there is anything you need. You are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Kathy (Larson) and Bob LaDue 9802 Dutch Creek Drive Anamosa, IA 52205 (7/10/2007)
  • Rose, Curt, Wes, Wayne Wade, and Justin
    It made my heart heavy when I heard of Ole's passing. Your house was like my second home growing up. Alot of memories went through my mind as I tried to think of what I was going to write here. One of my best memories was when I was little I saw Ole sing the Wabash Cannonball at the Legion Hall for some event. I was glad I got to see him and Rose up at the store when I was back home a couple weeks ago. I hope that all of you can find comfort in knowing that he touched so many lives with so few words. Our deepest sympathy goes to all of you.
    EJ Karin and Alaina
    ~ EJ Karin and Alaina Engelhaupt Gillette WY (7/10/2007)
  • Marcia, Wes, Nicki and James~
    My sympathies on the loss of your brother, father and grandfather...so hard to lose those dear people in our families. I hope you have many happy memories of times spent together; those memories serve as a bridge on those tough days that may lie ahead for you. I will have you in my prayers tonight. Many sympathies for you.
    ~ Vonda Hamill Milesville, SD (7/10/2007)
  • Dear Rose and your family, Tony, Shirley, Dorothy. We were so saddened today to hear of the death of our dear friend Ole. Rose and your family, Tony, Shirley, Dorothy, those so close to us - we extend our sincere heartfelt sympathy. We were bonded together in fun and friendship through the years as well as athletics during our league bowling years with Rose on our team and Ole' standing by us and many of the relatives of Rose and Ole as participants having so much fun. It was times of extreme enjoyment and enlightening excitement as Ole stood by our team to bring encouragement and positive cheerleading for our bowling team "BEEF PLUS" to victory on Sunday Night Late Mixed Doubles League Championship two years. Without Ole's support and constant encouragement our team would not have won these Rock & Roll Lanes league honors. Everyone who knew Ole would always comment what a sweet man and a friend and so much fun in such a gentlemanly manner. He was truly a "dear" to everyone who was fortunate to get to really know him. Now it time to bid farewell, but especially to our very dear friend Rose, Don and and I will miss him very much. We love you all and may God Bless You.!! ~ Don and Vi Moody 24134 SD HWY 73 (7/10/2007)
  • To Olaf's Family
    We are so sorry for your loss. When I worked at Kennedy's & Philip Motor I got to know Ole pretty well. What a kindhearted, patient, generous and funny man he was. I am so glad I got to know him. You must all be very heart broken and our sympathies to you to you all. Ole had so much to offer us all just a wonderful example and inspiration to everyone. There will be one happy little girl in heaven now that Grandpa is there too. God bless you all. Gary and Julie Nixon
    ~ Julie and Gary Nixon 22401 Deadman Creek Rd. Philip, SD (7/10/2007)
  • Our sincere sympathy to the family. Bowling was the bond that let us know Ole. Always had time to joke around. Fond memories. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka, SD (7/10/2007)
  • To the Nelson Family and friends. We are all so sorry to hear this news. I will away remember my uncle as the man that inspired me to play guitar and gave me my love of music. All our love and prayers. His music will always be in my heart. Randy ~ Randall M. Nelson and family ( Teri, Kelly, Justin 1100 Duckhaven Lane Fuquay Varina North Carolina 27526 (7/10/2007)
  • The " Farmhands" band brought back memories, how Ole loved to play and sing! I remember his little smile and sense of humor. Our sympathy to all his family, may you feel peace knowing he is in a very special place with Jennifer. ~ Chuck & Eleanor Zuccaro Midland, SD (7/10/2007)
  • Your family is my thoughts and prayers once again. I was so sorry to hear of Ole's passing. He was a good man with a familiar smile that everyone will miss. May God be with you all. ~ Lori Petoske Newport, NH (Midland, SD) (7/10/2007)
  • I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Ole's passing. I know he will be sadly missed by family and friends. I met him when he was a student of my sister, Thelma Jean Fosheim at the country school and as Midland folks are, Martin and I were always interested in news of him and his growing family. He and Rose and their children are salt of the earth, good people. Life goes on but it won't be the same without husband, father and grandfather and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Edith and Suzy Schofield
    ~ Edith Fosheim Schofield PO. Box 555, Evansville, WY 82636 (7/10/2007)
  • I was so sorry to hear of Ole's passing. He was a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in all that you have been through. ~ Lisa (Schofield) Jonas Pierre, SD (7/10/2007)
  • Rose and family: I know this is LATE but better than never. I remember all the great things you and Ole did--the music, the card playing, the fun things. You were such great people and you created wonderful memories. Thank you for being who you are. God bless you. Joyce ~ Joyce (Vollmer) Williamson Rapid City (7/10/2007)