Rosalie Nelson Obituary
Rosalie Ann Knudson was born in Centerville, SD on October 4, 1923 to Serena and Conrad Knudson and passed away on November 21, 2015.
She grew up with 5 brothers in Centerville, and after graduating from High School, she worked as a telephone operator in Sioux Falls. During WWII, she worked on the Air Base in Hobbs, New Mexico also as a telephone operator.
She married Raymond Nelson on June 16, 1948 and lived on a farm in the Dalesburg area.
She was a devoted member of the Dalesburg Lutheran Church, rural Vermillion, SD and loved being the Children’s Choir Director for many years. She had been a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and President of the Ladies Aid group. She was involved with the Happy Helpers 4-H club and Ladies Extension Club.
After raising her 3 children, she began working at the Beresford High School as an administrative assistant. That experience led to her favorite job, as secretary to the Athletic Director, Jack Doyle, at the University of South Dakota and worked for him for nine years.
Rosalie and Raymond, moved to Mesa, AZ in 1997 to be closer to their children. They loved to travel with their friends and family, taking cruises and long RV trips every year.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Nelson, four brothers and their wives, Clifford (Signie), Berdell (Grace), Boyd (Loreen), and Kalmer (Darlene) Knudson, two brothers-in-law, Ken and Clair Hesla and her son-in-law, William Caudry.
Rosalie is survived by her three children, Sandra Nelson of Scottsdale, AZ, Sheryl Nelson Caudry of Simi Valley, CA and Galen Nelson of Phoenix, AZ. She has two granddaughters, Lindsey Nelson and Alicia Nelson of Phoenix, AZ. One brother, Darrell Knudson of Paradise Valley, AZ, four sisters-in-law, Aileen Knudson of Paradise Valley, AZ, Ruth Hesla, of Vermillion, SD, Alda Hesla of Wakonda, SD, Evelyn Nelson, Fremont, NE, one brother-in-law, Rev Ben Nelson, Fremont, NE and one daughter-in-law, Rose Nelson. There are dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great great-nieces and great great-nephews.
She had such a wonderful laugh and giggle and brought so much joy and fun to all who knew and met her. God blessed us all to have her with us for 92 years. She will be missed, but she is so fortunate to be with the Lord, surrounded by her beloved Ray, her parents, brothers and other loved ones.
The Funeral and Celebration of Rosalie’s life will be at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery in Mesa AZ on December 4, 2015 at 11:00 AM
In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations may be made to www.sustainableseniors.org/donate.
Cards can be sent to:
Sandra Nelson
8390 E Via de Ventura #228
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Thanks, Sandi, Sheryl, and Galen, for the beautiful service and reception in honor of Rosalie. We were so glad to be there and be with you. I was happy to be able to provide music for the occasion. Gary and I also enjoyed having a chance to meet/greet many of your Knudson relatives. Rosalie came from good stock! We’ll continue to think of you and keep in touch. We’re back safely in Montana. Love Steven & Gary