Neil Nickelson

Dates

Obituary

Neil Nickelson, 77, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM Friday, December 5, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Servicemen’s Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM prayer service.

A livestream of Neil’s Funeral Mass can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@MitchellCatholicParishes/streams

Neil Richard Nickelson was born August 9, 1948, at Miller Hospital, to Clarence "Junior" and Noreen Nickelson. He was raised with his family north of Highmore on the farm of his Grandpa Raske. He attended Illinois Rural School and Highmore High School.

Neil was drafted into the Army in 1968. He served 14 months in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1970.

In 1974, Neil purchased his first truck, which became his lifelong career. He not only owned his own trucks but also drove for other companies. Experiences he shared were hauling rodeo stock for Suttons, delivering purebred cattle from Highmore to the Rockefeller Ranch in New York, driving over the mountains in the winter, and through Chicago at night.

In 1982, Neil moved to Murdo. While there, he married Alice (Lemke) Olson. Along with this marriage came two children, Shawn Marie and Travis Carl, whom he always considered his own. While in Murdo, a son, John Richard "JR," joined the family. In 1986, the family moved to Mitchell so it would be more convenient for Neil's work. This became their forever home.

Neil was a member of the American Legion and was honored this year for 50 years of membership. During his time with the Legion, he took his turn as Commander of the post in Highmore. He also belonged to the VFW and the National Korean War Veterans Association. He was awarded a Quilts of Valor quilt in 2023 at the local Veterans Day Dinner for his service.

He was an avid baseball/softball player, where he was the catcher. He finally decided that he might be getting too old when he severely turned his ankle while sliding into a base.

Neil is survived by his wife, Alice Nickelson, of 42 years; children, John "JR" Nickelson, Travis (Lori) Olson of Madison, and Shawn (Lance) King of Sioux Falls; mother, Noreen Nickelson of Highmore; brothers, Larry (Bonnie) of Highmore and Dennis of Rapid City; sisters, Kay Kerney (Rick) Rochelle and Brenda (Billy) Carrillo both of Spearfish; Lemke brothers-in-law, Maurice (Sandy) of Dupree, John D. (Judy) of Lantry, Jim (Charlanne) of Brodus, MT, and Clayton (Kristi) of New Underwood; grandchildren: Amanda (Chad) Fincher, Austin (Kori Hansen) Koester, both of Sioux Falls, Samantha (Drake Neill) King of Fort Collins, CO, and Rachel, Myles and Tyler Olson of Madison; step-grandchildren, Sarah (Corey) Thorson of Sioux Falls and Lucas King of Vermillion; great-grandchildren, Addison and Brody Fincher and Chase and Corrah Thorson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence "Junior" Nickelson, his in-laws, John and Mercedes Lemke, and his brother-in-law, Darrell Kerney.

Memorials may be directed to the Mitchell Catholic Foundation for The Neil and Alice Nickelson Family Endowment for St John Paul II School.

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