Ruth E. Nelson
(April 2, 1924 - February 27, 2009)
Bernard O. Nelson, 90, and Ruth E. Nelson, 84, of Redfield, SD, after 63 years of love, marriage and togetherness, will have their funerals together on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Redfield.Reverend Stephen Perry will officiate.
Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials that will be used for local organizations. www.thelenfuneralhome.com
Bernard died Sunday, February 22, 2009 at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield. Ruth died Friday, February 27, 2009 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Bernard (Smokey) Nelson was born August 20, 1918 on the family farm east of Redfield, to Ole Bernard and Anna Johanna (Petterson) Nelson. At seventeen, Bernard joined the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and worked on projects in the Black Hills. In his early twenties he purchased the forty acre homestead where he was born.
Ruth E. Johnson was born April 2, 1924 in Doland, SD to Raymond B. and Mary Naomi (Nelson) Johnson. She graduated, as valedictorian, from Doland High School in 1942. She worked at a bank in Minneapolis before moving to Redfield to work in the bank, where she met Bernard.
On August 8, 1945, Bernard and Ruth were united in marriage. Together they farmed and raised eleven children and built their family home, barn and other farm buildings. During his life Bernard was a member of the Lodi Township Board, Redfield School Board, Redfield Rural Fire Board and the United Methodist Church. He also flew his plane in stunt shows and crop dusted. He owned and operated a Massey Ferguson dealership. Ruth worked at James Valley Nursing home for many years. She was a 4-H leader, a member of the United Methodist Church and Women's Circle and extension club. She enjoyed gardening, golfing and following her children and grandchildren's sporting events.
In the fall of 1984, Bernard and Ruth moved into Redfield and from 1986-2004 they spent their winters in Casa Grande, AZ. During his "retirement years", Bernard built several homes and enjoyed his hobby of woodworking. They were founding members of the Lakeside Assisted Living. Bernard lived the last four years at Eastern Star Home. Ruth sang in the choir, taught line dancing in Arizona, and was a member of the Red Hats. For her eighty-first birthday she went skydiving.
Bernard and Ruth are survived by their nine children: Linda Nelson of Fayetteville, AR; Wilbur (Janelle) Nelson of Redfield; Debbie (Dennis) Harmening of Casa Grande, AZ; David (Leah) Nelson of Redfield; Susan (Marty) Warns of Madison, SD; Don Nelson of Sturgis, SD; Steve Nelson of Mitchell, SD; Mary (Bruno) Himmler of Carlisle, PA; and Karen (Lee) Swindler of Friendswood, TX; thirty grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.
Bernard is also survived by two brothers: John Nelson of Orange Park, FL; and Carl Nelson of Redfield and one sister Betty Johnson of Plymouth, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Al Nelson.
Ruth is also survived by three sisters: Ruby Eiermann and Mavis Wolner of Redfield, and Margaret Ashmore of Alexandria, LA. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers: Bob, Glenn and Clinton Johnson and her sister Dorothy Olson.
Bernard and Ruth were preceded in death by sons: Richard and Jim Nelson and three grandchildren.