Bernice Teresa Nelson, age 86, of Sioux Falls, SD formerly of Elkton, SD died on December 23, 2019 in the loving care of Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by family. She was born March 21, 1933 in Polo, SD to William and Francis Froning. After graduating from St. Liborious, she moved to California and worked for Oakland Tribune then moved to Minnesota and worked for the Minneapolis Star and Tribune. On October 9, 1954, Bernie married William (Bill "Doc") Nelson in Pipestone, MN. They moved to Gettysburg, SD where Bill began his Chiropractic practice. In 1956, they moved to Elkton and raised their 6 children instilling them with strong faith, work ethic and dedication to family and their community. Bernie assisted Bill in their chiropractic office 20 of his 40 years of service in the Elkton community, both retiring in 1997. Bernie enjoyed crafting in her home, decorating the church and community but most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren. A 60 year Elkton resident, Bernie was very active in the Elkton community and Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church serving on several committees and projects such as the President for the Women's Club, Lay Minister for Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, President of the South Dakota Chiropractic Auxiliary, and three terms as the first woman on the Elkton Board of Education. As President of the 21 ^st Century Development Corporation, Bernie was instrumental in raising funds, developing and opening a new Elkton Community Center, dedicated in 2002. In 2011, Bernie was first person to receive Elkton's "Citizen of the Year" award for all of her of past leadership and involvement within the community. Bernie was nominated for the "Spirit of South Dakota" award in 1987 which recognized the contributions of South Dakota women to their neighbors, community and state. Bill and Bernie moved from Elkton to Sioux Falls in 2011 where they enjoyed living at The Inn on Westport senior community and where Bernie has continued to reside after Bill's death in 2016.

Bernice is survived by her children Kevin (Lori) Nelson, Billings, MT; Karen (Bill) Goon, Eden Prairie, MN; Mary (Jim) Nielsen, Wakonda, SD; Steve (Karen) Nelson, Elkton, SD; Lori (Tom) Eggers, Sioux Falls, SD; Cathy (Craig) Johnson, Medford, OR; 21 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 sister Evelyn, 2 sisters-in-law, Norma and Marie and many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Bernie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, 2 brothers and 4 sisters. Memorials to Mother of God Monastery, 110 28 ^th St., Watertown, SD 57201.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Elkton, with burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Elkton. Visitation is 5:00 – 7:00 pm Friday with a 7:00 pm rosary at the church.