Judie Nelson, 66,, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
These are some of the moments and memories that shaped her story.
Born in 1953, Judie began a life that would touch many along the way.
Judie held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
The community of faith holds its own well — and Judie was held.
Judie Nelson, 66 died on October 31, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer at Ava's House. Memorial services will be at 1:00pm Monday, November 4, 2019 at Grace Lutheran Church, Parker with burial at Rosehill Cemetery, Parker. Visitation will be Sunday at Grace Lutheran Church from 5-7pm with a Prayer Service at 7:00pm. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home. Judie Marie Nelson was born on September 12 1953 to Lowell and Mildred (Hagen) Nelson. She was raised on a farm near Monroe and attended Country Grade School and Parker High School graduating in 1971. After attending SDSU for 2 years she started at Sioux Valley (Sanford Medical Center) as a surgical technician. She worked close to 46 years in the Operating Room specializing in the Orthopedic area. Her work family was very important to her as well as Medical Mission Trips to Dominican Republic and Haiti. She organized a surgery golf tournament for CMN for many years. She enjoyed sports her whole life and participated in Fast-pitch and helped start volleyball leagues in Sioux Falls. Horses and riding were her passion. She went on many horse trips with friends, trail rides and spent many hours in the saddle with her beloved horses. She fulfilled a dream and moved to her own acreage in 2006 to care for them and her cats and dogs. She took pride in sharing her love for horses (and cats) with many family and friends especially the children. As a member of Grace Lutheran Church of Parker she was active in Choir, Church Council, work groups, and had a term as Council President. She is survived by two brothers, Ron Nelson and Jim (Barb) Nelson from Parker, South Dakota, four sisters DorRayne (Dick) Phillips, Jeannine Ogle (Randy DeBoer), Sioux Falls, Jill Nelson, Yuma, Arizona and Peggy Braxton (Willie Williamson) Seattle, Washington. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, Aunt (godmother) Darlene Hagen, and special friends, Laurie Gilmore, Crystal (Andy) Domeyer and her "other brother" Greg (Bonnie) Nugteren. Preceded in death by Parents, Grand Parents, Sister in Law Elaine (Ron) Nelson and Great Niece Kyza Alm. Memorials maybe directed to the Grace Lutheran Church Building Fund.
