Norma A. Nelson

    Norma Nelson, age 87, of Philip, S.D., died June 9, 2015, at the Philip Nursing Home.
     Norma Arlene Nelson was born January 8, 1928, in Philip, the daughter of Nestor and Anna (Hovland) Nelson.
    She grew up on her parents ranch 11 miles north and 10 miles east of Philip, and attended rural school at Whitcher Hole Rural School. She then attended Philip High School, graduating in 1946.
    After graduation, she attended Augustana College where she received her bachelor of arts degree. She went to work in Minneapolis for an insurance company. She then moved to Murdo where she worked for West Central Electric. She later went back to college before teaching school for a number of years in Minnesota.
    Norma advanced her education in Minneapolis where she earned her doctorate degree in statistics. She then moved to Winnipeg and worked at the University of Manitoba in Cancer Research. When she retired, she moved back to the ranch with her mother after her father's death.
    Norma purchased a home in Custer that was to be used for a summer home for her mother and her. Unfortunately, her mother died that summer and was not able to accompany her. Norma lived there from 1991 to 2000. She returned to Philip in 2000 where she lived until July 2007, when she moved to Bella Vista Nursing Home in Rapid City. In January 2014, she moved to the Philip Nursing Home, where she has since resided.
    Norma was very active throughout life, and wasn't afraid to try anything. She earned her pilot's license, enjoyed riding horses, boating and especially enjoyed her nieces and nephews. Norma enjoyed many sports, including swimming, boating, and skiing. She later took dance lessons and eventually entered and won many dance competitions.
    Survivors include her brother, Martin Nelson and his wife, Vera, Philip; a sister-in-law, Marion Nelson, Philip; and many nieces and nephews.
    Norma was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, James Severin "Jim" Nelson, on October 15, 2007; and two siblings in infancy.
    Funeral services are pending.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.