Rose Nelson, age 79, of Midland, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at her home in rural Midland.
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.
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.
In lieu of flowers a memorial is established to the Midland Senior Citizens Center.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
