Christine Nelson

Funeral services for Christine Nelson were held on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD, with Perry Pearson and Dennis Hause, officiating. Lael Nelson gave the eulogy, and Chandra Isackson read a poem. Music was provided by Gwen Aarestad and Jolene Krisher, and Sherry Cronk was in charge of registration. Casket bearers were Dr. Derek Nelson, Justin Nelson, Ty Smith, Landon Nelson, Mark Isackson, Shane Lechtenberg, Beth Lechtenberg, Jaden Nelson, and Gillian Nelson. Interment was held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD. Jana Jelinek and Pam Erickson officiated. Clausen Funeral Home of Burke, SD, was in charg of arrangements.

Christine Nelson was born in Rock Valley, IA, on December 25, 1931, to William and Gertrude (Vogelzang) Rozeboom. Christine’s mother passed away when Christine was six months old. Gertrude’s parents, Simon and Jacoba, took Christine into their home and raised her as their own child.

Christine graduated from Rock Valley High School in 1949 and married Dr. Julius Nelson on February 25, 1955. They made their home in Burke, SD, where Julius had a chiropractic clinic in their home. Christine lived in her home for 66 years until the fall of 2022, when she moved into the Haisch Haus in Bonesteel due to her failing health.

Julius and Christine had five children: Julene Kris, Eric Rinold, Ivan Jul, Chandra Marie, and Lael Todd. In later years, they had eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Christine loved God and her family fiercely, and was a wife, mother, and homemaker above all else. Her home was open to everyone at any time, and there was always coffee on for those who stopped by. She was famous for her cooking and her special brownies. Her home was one where the children gathered after school and she was always ready to set another place at the table. Christine was a receptionist and assistant in the chiropractic office, and Doc couldn’t have run his business without her. She seemed to be busy every minute of the day, but when she rested, it was with her Bible in her hands.

Christine gave herself to the Lord at a very early age and she faithfully worshipped in a Christian Home Fellowship her entire life. Even as her health failed, her loved ones passed on, and she grew weary of this life, her faith never wavered.

Christine enjoyed animals, and especially her many pets through the years. There was never a time when her home was absent from a dog or a cat. Strays seemed to always find her and she never turned them away. Christine was a Patriot and served as a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veteran’s Auxiliary and the Burke VFW Auxiliary. The American flag flew each day on her house until she became too frail to put it out.

She is survived by her children: Eric (Marlis) Nelson of Burke, SD, Ivan (Nancy) Nelson of Burke, SD, Chandra (Mark) Isackson of Sioux Falls, SD, and Lael (Barbie) Nelson of Olathe, KS; her grandchildren, Beth Ann (Shane) Lechtenberg of Butte, NE, Dr. Derek Julius (Rachel) Nelson of Rapid City, SD, Ty Joseph Smith of Sioux Falls, SD, Justin Jul (Katlyn) Nelson of Winner, SD, Landon John (Chrissy) Nelson of Harrisburg, SD, and Jaden Jewel and Gillian Christine Nelson of Olathe, KS; six great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Dr. JJ Nelson; grandson Thor; daughter Julene; son-in-law Jim; brother Henry; parents, nieces and nephews; and a host of relatives, friends, and precious pets.