Maxine Nelson

Dates

Obituary

Maxine Nelson, 91, of Mitchell, SD, died Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Friday, August 30, at First United Methodist Church in Mitchell. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7:00 PM at First United Methodist Church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Burial will be at Underwood Cemetery in rural White Lake, SD. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

A livesteam of Maxine’s funeral service can be viewed at:  www.downtownfirstumc.com

Maxine Alice Nelson was born at home on December 29, 1932, in Corsica, SD, to Isak and Beth (Williams) Isakson. She learned the value of hard work and a strong faith from her parents during her childhood years. Maxine graduated from Corsica High School in 1950. After high school, Maxine attended Dakota Wesleyan University, where she received her Teacher’s Certificate and met her future husband. Maxine married Francis Nelson on June 2, 1952, at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in rural Corsica.

Maxine taught school for two years in Parkston, SD while Francis served in the Armed Forces. When he returned, they moved to his family farm north of White Lake, where they lived until 1986. During those years, four children were born: Pamela, Sherryl, Keith, and Lynette.

 She loved to garden and provide good food for her family. Music was always an important part of her life. She played piano and organ for church services and sang with the Aurora Brule Choir. Maxine’s faith was also very important to her, always active in the church and UMW.

During the farm crisis, Francis and Maxine left White Lake to manage the Kelly Inn motel in Keystone, SD. Though they had no experience, they worked hard and added so many personal touches that they often received letters of thanks from guests.

After retiring from the motel, Francis and Maxine traveled in their motorhome, enjoying work along the way: picking apples in Washington, selling Christmas trees in California, and working in a restaurant in Arizona. They had many adventures during those travels.

After Francis’ passing, Maxine made her home in Sturgis in 2003, where she spent many happy years in the Black Hills. She moved to Mitchell in 2017.

Maxine is survived by her children, Pamela (Mike Spindler) Nelson of Fairbanks, AK, Sherryl (Breece) Ferguson of Worland, WY, Keith (Nancy) Nelson of Mitchell, SD, and Lynette Nelson of Springfield, MO; grandchildren, Alan Ferguson, Elizabeth Ferguson Stearns, Richard Nelson, Kelley Ferguson Clark, Melissa Nelson, David Spindler, Denise Ferguson Pfoze, and Sara Spindler Borkovec; five great-grandchildren and one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis, on May 24, 2003; brother, Harvey; sister, Reva Star; and her parents.

Memorials preferred to Downtown First United Methodist Church Stained Glass Window or Organ Fund.

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