Bernard Nelson

Bernard Nelson, 86, of Dell Rapids passed away Monday, December 18, 2006 at Dells Area Health Center. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM Friday, December 22, 2006 at the Minnehaha Funeral Home Chapel in Dell Rapids. Burial will be in the Nelson Cemetery, rural Trent, SD. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM Thursday with the family present from 6 to 8 PM at the Minnehaha Funeral Home in Dell Rapids.

Bernard was born February 2, 1920 in rural Moody County to parents Chris and Ella (Anderson) Nelson. He attended the Nelson Grade School. He worked with his parents on the farm until moving to Dell Rapids in 1947.

Bernard married Ardath Gough on March 4, 1950 near Canova, SD. The couple made their home in Dell Rapids their entire life, moving to Friendship Village in April of 2006.

Bernard worked as a mechanic at the Rock Garden Station and Dells Motor Company. He then was employed at Ahrendt Implement as a car and tractor mechanic until 1981 when he opened Nelson Tractor Repair. He retired in 2003. Bernard was also an avid gardener and ran a vegetable garden with Ardath for 35 years. Working with his hands as a mechanic, Bernard learned the value of a hard day’s work and a job well done. These values, along with his love and support, he passed on to his children and grandchildren. For that they thank him.

Bernard,86,passed away Monday, December 18, 2006 at Dells Area Health Center.

Survivors include his wife, Ardath, Dell Rapids; son, Gary (Nancy), Romeoville, IL; daughter, Bonnie (John) Edge, Mandeville, LA; sons, Douglas (Sue), Crooks, SD and Jimmy, Rapid City, SD; 5 grandchildren, Cheryl; Karla; Cody; Greg; and Austin; brother, Richard (June) Nelson, Trent, SD; a good friend, Dale Christenson, Dell Rapids; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Willis Nelson.