Inez Beatrice Genevieve Riswold Wilson

On February 20, 2021, Inez Beatrice Genevieve Riswold Wilson, age 96, of Dell Rapids, beloved mother, grandmother, faithful friend and child of God left her temporary home for her best journey ever. Private family funeral service will begin at 10:30 AM Thursday, February 25, 2021, at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids Chapel. The funeral will be live streamed on Inez's obituary page at www.minnehahafuneralhome.com . Public visitation with family present will be from 5-7:00 PM Wednesday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Dell Rapids. Masks are required and social distancing will be practiced at the visitation and funeral.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids (Media Ministry), East Nidaros Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.

Just days after celebrating her 96th birthday with her friends and fellow residents at the Lennox Assisted Living during the covid-19 “shut-down”, her life was, according to Inez, “as good as it can be”. She thoroughly enjoyed being the hostess of the pizza party and birthday cake served by Helen and the staff. Her family is very thankful for each person at Lennox Assisted Living for helping her transition from Dell Rapids to her new home.

Inez was born on February 4, 1925, to Bernice and Alfred Riswold. She was baptized by Rev. Solem and confirmed by Rev. Merwang at East Nidaros Lutheran Church; her East Nidaros connection continued throughout her life and she treasured her family roots in this congregation. The rural Kringen School provided the elementary education for the Riswold children. Inez was the first in her family to graduate from Dell Rapids High School and was a member of the class of 1943.

Ralph Wilson and Inez were married on April 28, 1945, at East Nidaros Lutheran by Rev. P.M. Troen. Ralph passed away February 20, 1996, exactly 25 years before Inez. Inez continued to live independently in Dell Rapids until moving in October, 2019 to Lennox Assisted Living. Ava’s House cared for Inez from February 11, 2021 until her passing.

Believing that a person should contribute however possible to one’s community and church, Inez was a faithful and active member of the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids including Priscilla Circle, WELCA and Prayer Shawl, the Dell Rapids Museum, Dell Rapids Legion Auxiliary, Dell Rapids Hospital Auxiliary, and a number of other community organizations throughout her lifetime. Being selected South Dakota Legionette of the Year was also an honor.

Preceding Inez in death were her parents; husband Ralph; beloved daughter Ruth Hayes; brother Earl Riswold; sisters Julette Ellefson Posey and Bernielle Riswold.

Those blessed and inspired by her life include: son-in-law, Hank Hayes; children: Ritch (Diane) Wilson, Rita (Joel) Laumer, Roger Wilson, Robert Wilson, Ron Wilson and Wayne (Karen) Johnson; 7 grandchildren: Michelle (Dana) Pliska, Jesse Wilson, Jason (Sara) Laumer, Kjersti (Scott) Deckert, Peder (Ashley Hansen) Laumer, Eli Chaney, Shilo (Ralph) Harwood; 14 great-grandchildren: Tristin Pliska, Abby, Ethan, Isaac, Caden and Tyler Laumer, Norah and Maren Deckert, Amber, Hannah, and Gavin Chaney, Aslan Wilson, Micah Rocha, and Chloe Harwood; 3 great-great-grandchildren: Jaxson Wilson Hart, Sylas Rocha and Kinsley Rocha; sister-in-law and friend, Ella Riswold; Jerry Riswold Ruddy, Inez’s first playmate and only surviving Riswold first cousin; nieces: Lorna (Scott) Johnston, Veloy Reddick, Rosalie (Ryne) Brende, Yvonne (Matt) DeWitte and Cynthia Wilson; nephews: Charles Wilson, Thomas Wilson, and Lyle Tradup; numerous extended family and treasured friends.

We have no doubt that our Norwegian, Viking strong, beloved mom is having a heavenly welcome by family and friends. Rest In Peace with your Lord and Savior.