Lois Marie Nelson, 92, Hills, died Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A memorial service was at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. Inurnment followed at the Flowerfield Cemetery near Hills.
Lois Oleson was born on Jan. 2, 1929, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Calvin and Irene (Bishop) Oleson. When she was young, her family moved to Brookings, South Dakota, and she graduated from Brookings High School. She continued her education at South Dakota State University (SDSU), earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry, with a minor in music, where she learned how to play the French horn. She continued graduate school at SDSU at Brookings, Mankato State University and Augustana College.
Lois married Raymond Nelson on June 10, 1951, in Hills. She was a high school teacher for many years as a choir director and science teacher. She was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills and was active in many church organizations. She also was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary #339 and the Mortar Board Honor Society. She played the French horn for several years with Sioux Falls Municipal Band and Augustana College Community Band. Most recently she served as the treasurer for the Flowerfield Cemetery Association.
Lois enjoyed swimming, aerobics, playing in bands, yard and flower gardening, walking, reading and sewing. She especially enjoyed playing French horn and volunteering for community activities.
On Feb. 28, 2010, Lois’s husband, Raymond, died. She remained active with the cemetery duties and community events.
She is survived by her three children, Bruce Nelson of Brooklyn Center; Vicki Nelson of Mankato, and Gail (Rodney) Arendsen of Charleston, South Carolina; a brother, Robert (Bonnie) Oleson of Waconia; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond Nelson; and a sister, Dorothy Gosmire.
Arrangements were provided by Jurrens Funeral Home of Hills, www.jurrensfuneralhome.com
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