Anna Marie Nelson was born January 2, 1900, to Severine and Martha (Erstad) Hovland at Paulina, Iowa.

During her early childhood, the family lived in Minnesota and then moved to Old Stanley County, where she attended Pleasantview Grade School.  After attending college at Spearfish, she taught school for four years in Haakon County.

She was united in marriage to Nestor Nelson on July 3, 1922, at the Reverend O.H. Olson parsonage, 10 miles south of Powell, South Dakota.  Until 1943, they ranched in partnership with his uncle, Olav "Ole" Hauge in the Midland-Philip area.  They continued to ranch until Nestor's death on January 6, 1988.  She continued to live at the ranch until her death.

Anna was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland; Past President of the Ladies Aid at the Nowlin Lutheran Church; a member of the Retired Teachers Association; a member of the Harmony Club; an honorary member of the Extension Club at Ottumwa; and taught Sunday School at Old Trail School.

Grateful for having shared her life are her three children, Norman, James, and Martin Nelson, all of Philip; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; two brothers, Reuben Hovland of Custer, and Severt Hovland of Wall; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Anna was preceded in death by two children in infancy; one grandchild; two great-grandchildren in infancy; three brothers, Carl, Anton, and John Hovland; and her sister, Sadie Edwards, all of western South Dakota.

Visitation
Tuesday, June 25, 1991
2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Rush Funeral Chapel
Philip, South Dakota
And one hour preceding
the services at the church

Services
Wednesday, June 26, 1991
2:00 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
Midland, South Dakota

Officiating
Reverend Brian Hagelstrom

Music
Marlis Doud - Organist
Jill Eckert - Vocalist

Ushers
Theron Koehler - Ivan Schilling

Active Pallbearers
Mark Nelson - Mike Nelson
Dan Nelson - Tim Nelson
Jerry Nelson - Jeff Nelson

Honorary Pallbearers
All relatives and friends in attendance

Interment
Nowlin Cemetery
Rural Midland, South Dakota