Jeffrey Neil Nelson

Jeffrey N. Nelson, 71, of Lake Preston, SD, passed away with wife by his side in his home in Lake Preston, SD, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Celebration of Life Services will be Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 2:00 PM, at Lake Whitewood Lutheran Church. Pastor Brian Ricke will be officiate.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to service on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend. 

Jeffrey Neil Nelson started his journey through life on June 5, 1953, in Volga, SD. His proud parents are Phyllis (Marek) Nelson and the late, Neil Nelson. His journey ended on November 13, 2024, after a long illness.

Jeff attended Lake Preston Public School and graduated in 1971. After graduation he worked at DenRee Bakery in Lake Preston until his marriage in August 1972 to his high-school sweetheart and love of his life, Janette (Spilde) Nelson.

They moved to Huron, SD, to start their married life together. Jeff worked at a job welding. They lived there until moving back to Lake Preston to farm with his father. After a few years they moved back to Huron, SD, to work at Telelect Welding. In 1982, the family moved back to Lake Preston when Jeffrey was offered a job at the Lake Preston Elevator. He worked for them for thirty-four years until his retirement.

Jeff was a hard worker but also enjoyed his hobbies. He loved fishing whether in a boat, off shore, or on a frozen lake. He was well known for his prowess as a fisherman. A few trips to the river were very memorable for him and his fishing buddies. Jeffrey’s other love was coon hunting with his pride and joy, Country Joe, his black and tan Coonhound whom he had trained from a pup. He went on to win trophies at coon competition hunts. Jeff really enjoyed competing with his well-trained hound. Country Joe also brought in extra income with his skills. Together, they were definitely quite the team. Family and friends enjoyed going on occasion hunts with them also.

Jeffrey is survived by his wife of fifty two years, Janette; his children and the pride and joy of his life, son Jacob (Erin) Nelson, daughter Amber (Scott) Steffensen. His grandchildren, Annika, Jocelyn (Thomas) Zander, Colton, Faith, and Tanner. His mother Phyllis (Marek) Nelson. His siblings, brothers, Jack (LuAnn) Nelson, Jerome (Bonnie) Nelson; sisters, Jean (David) Nelson, Janelle (Tony) Johannesen. Also, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jeffrey is preceded in death by his first born son, Chad Jeffrey; his father Neil; his nephew Aaron; his grandparents Magda and Lawrence Nelson, and Paul and Minnie Marek; and several Aunts and Uncles.

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