Nancy P. Nielsen, 80, of Brookings, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2018, at United Living Community, in Brookings, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, at Rude’s Funeral Home, in BrookingsVisitation will be held one hour prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m.
Nancy Petra Lee was born on February 19, 1938, in Brookings, the daughter of John and Maggie (Nielsen) Lee. She grew up in Brookings and was a graduate of Brookings High School. Upon graduating, she went to work at Spies Grocery Store until she was united in marriage to Russell Nielsen. The couple moved to the Nielsen family farm in 1957. The couple was blessed with three sons, Scott, Tim and Joe. While the children were young, Nancy stayed at home to care for the children and the farm. As the boys grew older, she began working at South Dakota State University. In 1979, the family moved into Brookings. In March of 2000, Nancy retired from SDSU.
Nancy enjoyed gardening and canning her harvest. She also liked to cook and was especially known for her soups and lefsa. She took great pride in her home, and was always finding new ways to decorate. More than anything, she cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. She loved to spoil her grandchildren, and would always find ways to include them in every activity.
Grateful for having shared her life are her two sons, Scott (Helen) Nielsen, of Brookings and Joe (Janean Ward) Nielsen, of Granite Falls, MN; daughter-in-law, Lori Nielsen, of Brookings; six grandchildren, Derrick (Abby) Nielsen, of Madison,, Nikki (Gregg) Pitts, of Ramona, Matthew Nielsen, of Brookings, Jessie Nielsen, of Brookings, Shelby Nielsen, of Granite Falls, MN and Mollie (Garrett) Londgren, of Clarkfield, MN; 13 great-grandchildren and special family friends, Les and Renae Kramer, of Flandreau.
