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In memory of

Norma Nelson

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at the Philip Nursing Home in Philip at the age of 87

Norma Arlene Nelson was born January 8, 1928, in Philip, South Dakota, the daughter of Nestor and Anna (Hovland) Nelson. She grew up on her parents ranch 11 miles north and 10 miles east of Philip, and attended rural school at Whitcher Hole Rural School.

She then attended Philip High School, graduating in 1946. After graduation, she attended Augustana College where she received her BA Degree. She went to work in Minneapolis for an insurance company. She then moved to Murdo where she worked for West Central Electric. She later went back to college before teaching school for a number of years in Minnesota. She advanced her education in Minneapolis where she earned her Doctorate Degree in Statistics. She then moved to Winnipeg and worked at the University of Manitoba in Cancer Research.

She later retired and moved back to the ranch with her mother after her father's death. Norma purchased a home in Custer that was to be used for a summer home for her mother and her. Unfortunately her mother died that summer, and was not able to accompany her. Norma lived there from 1991 to 2000. She returned to Philip in 2000 where she lived until July 2007, when she moved to Bella Vista Nursing Home in Rapid City. In January 2014, she moved to the Philip Nursing Home, where she has since resided.

Norma was very active throughout life, and wasn't afraid to try anything. She earned her pilot's license, enjoyed riding horses, boating, and especially enjoyed her nieces and nephews. Norma enjoyed many sports, including swimming, boating, and skiing. She later took dance lessons and eventually entered and won many dance competitions.

Survivors include her brother Martin Nelson and his wife Vera of Philip; a sister-in-law Marion Nelson of Philip; and many nieces and nephews.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; a brother James Severin "Jim" Nelson on October 15, 2007; and two siblings in infancy.

Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday June 16, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Philip, with Pastor Ray Greenseth officiating.

Interment will follow the luncheon at the Nowlin Cemetery.


MEMORIAL SERVICES
Tuesday, June 16, 2015 - 10:00 a.m.
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Ray Greenseth

MUSIC
Marlis Doud - Pianist
Mark Nelson and
Samantha Christianson - Duet
“Precious Lord Take My Hand”
Congregational Hymns
“In The Garden”
“When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder”

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Nowlin Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

Memorial services: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday June 16, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Philip.

Interment: Nowlin Cemetery.

  • Our sympathy to you Martin and Vera and families. I remember many days of fun swimming, fishing and whatever with Norma in my childhood days esp. in the dam over east. May she rest in peace.
    Lowell and Jo Ann     ~ Jo Ann Miles Hartford, SD (6/9/2015)
  • Sympathy to all of Norma's family. I remember going out to the Nelson ranch with my Dad and Norma and I would go horseback riding. It was good to see her again when she moved back to Philip in the early 2000's. May she rest in peace. ~ Bev Jahner Kerrville Texas (6/9/2015)
  • I remember visiting with Norma several times when I lived in Philip...she was a great lady. I'm so sorry for your families loss...you will be in my thoughts & prayers. ~ Cindy (Gabriel) Nuzum Wall, SD (6/9/2015)
  • To the Family of Norma Nelson. I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one, Norma. May the God of comfort heal your heart. The passing of someone you love can be a very hard thing to deal with. I hope you can find comfort in the promise of the resurrection mentioned in the Bible at John 5:28&29. Sincerely, Kristy jw.org ~ Kristy R Reno, NV (6/9/2015)