Mary Lou Johnson

Notes:

RAPID CITY Mary Lou Nelsen, 78, Rapid City, died at a local nursing home on Thursday, November 3, 2005.
Mary Lou was born November 5, 1926, in Springfield, South Dakota, to Alfred B. and Elizabeth (Lang) Johnson. She graduated from Yankton High School in 1944. On June 9, 1947, Mary Lou was united in marriage to Norman A. Nelsen in Yankton.

She was employed at WNAX radio station in Yankton in the early years of her marriage. Following the birth of her children, she began a career in banking. She started as a secretary and advanced to the level of vice president, retiring after 25 years of service. During her career she was an active member of the Lariets in Rapid City.

Following her retirement, Mary Lou and Norman enjoyed traveling and managing disaster claims offices. She volunteered her time at the Dahl Fine Arts Center, Rapid City Regional Hospital Auxiliary and South Canyon Lutheran Church. Mary Lou enjoyed spending time golfing, playing bridge, gardening, traveling and time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting and camping with her family.

Mary Lou is survived by her daughter, Jane Hartman, Madison, Wisconsin; two sons: Jeff Nelsen and his wife Karen, Rapid City and Jim Nelsen and his wife Libby, Kenosha, Wisconsin; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, Carl Johnson, Yankton and a very special friend and companion, Earl Koppelman, Rapid City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norm in 1998; two brothers: Charlie and John; and a sister-in-law, Phyllis.

A reception with Mary Lou9s family present will be from 3 until 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Osheim-Catron Funeral Home in Rapid City. Memorial Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 7, at South Canyon Lutheran Church in Rapid City with Rev. Bruce Thalacker officiating.

Inurnment will be at a later date at Vangen Church Cemetery, Mission Hill, South Dakota.

A memorial has been established to South Canyon Lutheran Church in Rapid City or Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City.

Friends may sign her online guestbook and leave condolence wishes at www.osheimcatron.com.

Mary married Norman Almer Nelsen on 9 Jun 1947 in Yankton, South Dakota, United States. Norman (son of Norman Alfred Nelsen and Marith Carlson) was born on 20 Oct 1926 in Mission Hill, Yankton, South Dakota, United States; died on 17 Apr 1998 in Rapid City, Pennington, South Dakota, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Jeffrey Norman Nelsen
2. Jane Louise Nelsen
3. James Alfred Nelsen

Alfred married Elizabeth Lang. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]