Elaine Nelson

Elaine Nelson, 62, died Sunday, December 26, 2010 at her home. Funeral services will be at 10:30am Thursday, December 30, 2010 at Grace Lutheran Church, Parker with burial in Rosehill Cemetery, Parker. Visitation with family present will be from 6-8:00pm Wednesday at the church with a Prayer Service to be said at 7:30pm Wednesday evening at her church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, Helping Hands for Haiti, or Grace Lutheran Church. Elaine Ruth Nelson, age 62 was called home on December 26, 2010. For six years, she courageously battled endometrial cancer. Elaine’s unwavering enthusiasm and love of life impacted the lives of many, teaching us all valuable lessons about strength, determination, and perseverance. Although we will miss her dearly, especially her positive and contagious attitude, she will remain forever in our hearts. Elaine was born on July 1, 1948, in Worthington, MN to Ralph and Margaret Zandt. She attended grade school in Ruthton, MN until the age of 10 when her family moved to Sioux Falls where she attended Beadle Grade School, Patrick Henry Middle School and graduated from Washington High School in 1966. She then attended South Dakota State University where she met her soul mate, Ron. They were married December 1, 1967 in Sioux Falls, SD. They had three children: Chad born in 1968, Jerrice born in 1970 and Monica born in 1972. She graduated college in 1973 with a BS in Medical Technology. After graduation Ron and Elaine moved to a farm north of Parker where they resided until moving into town the summer of 1988. For 22 years she worked at Physicians Laboratory in Sioux Falls as a medical technologist. In 1995 she managed the lab and x-ray department at Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Viborg until the time of her death. She was a very active member at Grace Lutheran Church where she was the first woman congregational president. She enjoyed her grandchildren, extended family and friends, gardening, camping, fishing, and staying at their cabin in Custer. Blessed to share her life are her husband Ron, son Chad (Trish) Nelson, Jerrice (Chris) Thorson and Monica (Corey) Alm. Grandchildren Nate, Ben and Sam Nelson, Leif and Avery Thorson, Taylin, Tegan, Zane and Kaspen Alm. Brothers and sisters George (Diane) Zandt, Ranzie (Jean) Zandt, Jim (Pam) Zandt, Marlene (Erwin) Bultje, and Jan (Rod) VanZee and many nieces and nephews. Proceeding Elaine in death are parents Ralph and Margaret Zandt, sister Trudy Bartman, father-in-law Lowell Nelson and granddaughter Kyza Ruth Alm.