Leroy Nielsen

Leroy A. Nielsen, age 97, of Dell Rapids, SD, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2025 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids, SD with Fr. Shane Stevens celebrating. Burial will follow at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Dell Rapids.

Visitation with family present will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at the Minnehaha Funeral Home in Dell Rapids, SD.

Leroy was born on November 10, 1927, to Jens and Jenny (Tholound) Nielsen at the Dell Rapids Hospital. He grew up on the farm west of Dell Rapids along with his sister, Francis.

On February 3, 1948 he was joined in marriage to Mary Jean Munk at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. The couple farmed and raised their family west of Dell Rapids. They were married for 62 years, most of it spent on the farm.

Leroy had many joys in life including spending time with his grandkids, farming, golfing, bowling, traveling and coffee with his friends. He was a huge fan of the Minnesota Twins, Timberwolves and Vikings and loved to watch St. Mary’s basketball.

Leroy and Mary Jean had 5 children, James (Karen) Nielsen of Dell Rapids, SD, Susan (Don) Hilmoe of Sioux Falls, SD, Paul (Rosie) Nielsen and Terry (Renee) Nielsen, all of Dell Rapids, SD. They have 15 grandkids and 31 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Jean; sister, Francis Albrecht; son, Stevan; and grandson, Jonathan Nielsen.