Gail Charlene Burshiem, 55, passed away Friday, April 4, 2014 at her home in Pipestone, MN. She was born September 15, 1958 on a US Air Force base in England to Videl and Sophie (LaBatte) Burshiem. During the early years of her life, her family was stationed at Air Force bases in England, Illinois and Alaska. In 1967 they moved to Sisseton, SD. After her father passed away and mother remarried, the family settled in Flandreau, SD. Gail attended Flandreau Public High School and graduated in 1976. She earned a nursing degree from Southeast Vocational Technical College in Watertown, SD. Gail was married to Jeffrey Nelson in August 1977 and they moved to Pipestone, MN where they raised their children. She worked at the Pipestone County Hospital and Riverview Manor in Flandreau, SD. She then worked at the Mayfair Hotel and many years at Flandreau Indian School in food services. Gail was actively involved in the Presbyterian Church. She loved caring for all living things including her pets and her plants. Gail was a great cook and loved to bake. She enjoyed spending time with her family playing board games and doing puzzles and cherished time spent with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: Christopher (Kelly) Nelson, Woodbury, MN, Mandy Nelson (Jordan Priester), Inver Grove Heights, MN;  three grandchildren: Sophia, Grace and Ethan Nelson; two brothers: Derek (Gayle) Burshiem, Buckeye, AZ, William John (Yvette) Burshiem, Flandreau, SD; three sisters: Gina Burshiem, Flandreau SD; Danelle (Ronald) McKinney, Lawrence, KS and Rogene Crawford, White, SD; seven nephews, four nieces and many great nieces, nephews and aunts and uncles.  She is preceded in death by her parents, and her step-father.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Second Presbyterian Church, Flandreau, with burial in First Presbyterian Cemetery, Flandreau. An all night wake begins at 6:00 PM Friday with a 7:00 pm prayer service at Eastman Hall, Flandreau. There will be visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.