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Funeral services will take place on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM (Mountain).

Trinity Lutheran Church
Midland, South Dakota

Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.



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In memory of

Rose Nelson

of Midland, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at her home in rural Midland at the age of 79

Rose Mary Nelson, 79, of Midland, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at her home on the family farm on June 18, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on January 28, 1945, in Kadoka, South Dakota, to Albert and Irene (Brown) Rittel, Rose attended school in Kadoka. Later in life, she proudly earned her GED.

On July 22, 1964, Rose married Ole (Olaf) Nelson in Midland, SD. They built a life together, raising five sons. Initially, they lived on the family farm along the Ottumwa Road before moving to Midland for their sons' schooling. Their final home was also located along the Ottumwa Road.

Rose took immense joy in raising her family. Prior to becoming a devoted wife and mother, she established a strong work ethic, as a waitress, at the H&H Cafe in Kadoka. Throughout the years, she also generously offered her skills at various Midland restaurants, including Joy's, whenever they needed extra help.

Deeply connected to the Midland community, Rose volunteered her time with the American Legion Auxiliary, the Midland Senior Center, and Feeding South Dakota's Food Truck.

Her life overflowed with joy, fueled by her children and grandchildren, close friends, and the vibrant community she called home. Whether it was watching NASCAR, playfully displaying her competitive spirit during cards and her weekly ‘football picks’, or simply expressing her unwavering love to her family, Rose lived life with great love and enthusiasm.

Rose never missed any of her son’s basketball games, football games, music concerts, or school events and strived to attend birthdays and other events of her grandkids and great grandkids. Beyond spending time with her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Rose delighted in gardening, playing cards, bowling, softball, reading, crocheting, and being surrounded by loved ones and friends.

Her welcoming and cheerful spirit made her home a haven for her sons' friends, creating countless cherished memories. Rose genuinely enjoyed connecting with people, her infectious warmth always made room for new friendships throughout her life.
She is lovingly survived by her sons: Wesley (Nicole) Nelson of Midland, SD and their son James (Nylda) Nelson of Blunt, SD and their children Dakoda and his daughter Scarlett, Tanner, and Kadyn; Wayne (Stacey) Nelson of Caputa, SD and their children Austin, Abbigail, and Aaron; Wade (Becky) Nelson of Pierre, SD and their sons Bryan (Jessica) Nelson of Midland, SD and their children Paisley and Conley, and Chandler (Cassandra) Nelson of Sioux Falls, SD and their children William, Callumn, and Lincoln; Justin Nelson of Durant, Iowa; and Curtis (Rona) Nelson of Pierre, SD and their children Savannah, Kaiden, and Isabela.
Rose is also survived by her loving sisters: Shirley Gould (Sturgis, SD), Leona Fredland (Newell, SD), Doris Parke (Spearfish, SD), and Janice Schuler (Rapid City, SD).

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ole; granddaughter, Jennifer Nelson; brother, Allen Rittel; and sisters, Ethel Baldwin and Dorothy Herman.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland with Pastor Kathy Chesney and Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.

Interment will follow at the Midland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a memorial is established to the Midland Senior Citizens Center.



FUNERAL SERVICE
Thursday, June 27, 2024 - 2:00 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
Midland, South Dakota

OFFICIATING
Pastor Kathy Chesney
Pastor Cindy Bisser

USHERS
Lane Butler - Justin Schofield

MUSIC
Scotti Block - Pianist
Congregational Hymn
“The Old Rugged Cross”

PALLBEARERS
All of Rose’s Grandchildren:
James Nelson - Austin Nelson - Abbigail Nelson
Aaron Nelson - Bryan Nelson - Chandler Nelson
Savannah Nelson - Kaiden Nelson - Isabela Nelson

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All of Rose’s Great-Grandchildren:
Dakoda - Tanner - Kadyn - Paisley - Conley
William - Callumn - Lincoln - Scarlett

INTERMENT
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

MEMORIAL ESTABLISHED
Midland Senior Citizens Center
Midland, South Dakota

  • Rose was such a warm and friendly person..always smiling. I know how much she will be missed and am praying for the family, that God will hold you close, while you adjust to life without her. I am sure you must all have many happy memories you can keep in your hearts. ~ Julie McLaughlin Midland (6/27/2024)
  • I was so saddened to hear about Rose.. She was such a spunky lady with a great sense of humor. She will be missed! Sending prayers to her family ~ Mary Jo Jones Midland, SD (6/25/2024)
  • I'm so very sorry for your loss! Wes, Wayne, Wade, Justin, Curt, and families, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Lisa Schofield Pierre (6/24/2024)
  • Sympathy and prayers Curtis to you and your family. ~ Candy Spaid Pierre SD (6/22/2024)
  • To all of Rose's family, I am so sorry and pray for strength and comfort. Rose was always so special to so many of us. Cherish her memories, I know I feel honored to have known her, and will miss her laughter and hugs. Love to you all! ~ Ann Cvach Midland, SD (6/21/2024)
  • Oh Rosie. I loved your laugh and hugs. You will be so
    Missed here on earth.
    Wes, Wayne, Wade, Justin, Curtis, Nicki, James and all the crew- you are in my heart and prayers.
    ~ Kathy Larson LaDue Anamosa, IA (6/21/2024)
  • What a lovely lady she was! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~ Lynn Dunker Wall SD (6/20/2024)
  • To my friend and Co-grandma, thanks for your door always open. Happy great Reunion. To Rose's boys and families, always felt like you were part of our family. Cherish your memories of your little but mighty Mom. ~ Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD (6/20/2024)
  • Sympathy and prayers for Rose's family and friends ~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid City (6/19/2024)