Donald Ralph Nelles

Donald Ralph Nelles was born on November 24, 1934 to Ralph and Elnora (Kepplinger) Nelles on a farm two miles south of Kaylor, South Dakota. In 1935, his family moved into Scotland, South Dakota. He attended Scotland Elementary and High School graduating in 1952. He went on to complete Mechanic’s School at Southern State College in Springfield in 1953. For a time, Don worked at Scotland Implement, Serr Auto Repair, and went on to work 50 years for Scotland Redi-Mix.
In March 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving active duty in the Seabee’s until 1959. He continued to serve in the inactive reserve and was honorably discharged in 1963. In 1978, Don was united in marriage to Arlene (Hajek) Hamberger. Together they enjoyed spending the weekends camping and fishing. On such a trip, Don caught 2 proud angler walleyes in the Missouri River. They spent their winters in Arizona and Port Aransas, Texas. They enjoyed golfing at the Naval Station at Corpus Christi, TX and also loved watching the big ships come in and out of port. Don and Arlene enjoyed many nights of eating and dancing. In 2014, the couple permanently returned to South Dakota.
Don was a member of the Sportsman’s Club, Scotland Volunteer Fire Department, Lake Henry Restoration, and also served as a Bon Homme County Commissioner for 5 years. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland until its closing and served as an elder for a number of years.
Don passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital Avera in Scotland, South Dakota having attained the age of 83 years, 4 months, and 19 days.
He is survived and remembered by his wife of over 40 years, Arlene Nelles of Scotland, SD; stepdaughters: Connie (Gary) Nelson of Sioux Falls, SD and Barbara (Larry) Hubbling of Sioux Falls, SD; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and his sister Cheryl June Bierle of Creston, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 day old infant sister, stepson Ron Hamberger, brother-in-law Duane Bierle, and nephew Jeffery Bierle.

one hour prior to service