A public visitation for Marilyn K. Nelson, 81, of Chamberlain, SD will be held on Monday, February 1, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.  Private family services will be held and burial will be in the Swedish Lutheran Cemetery at Ola, SD.

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Marilyn K. Nelson, 81, of Chamberlain, SD passed away on January 28, 2021 at Sanford Medical Center in Chamberlain.

Marilyn Kaye Sager was born September 6, 1939 in Huron, SD to Elwin and Blanche (Nenaber) Sager.  In 1957, she graduated from high school and then attended Huron College earning her teacher's degree.  She taught one year in Phillip and three years at White River, SD. She taught 40 years in the Chamberlain School District. She had a true educator's heart and was dedicated to influencing the lives of her students. She was inducted in the Chamberlain School District Hall of Fame.

On May 8, 1970, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Marilyn was united in marriage to William "Bill" Nelson and became a mother to Ivy, Steve, and Stan. Bill and Marilyn celebrated their 50 ^th anniversary last May.

Many summers were spent custom windrowing with her family.  She enjoyed scrapbooking and had made a book for each child and grandchild. She had the makings of scrapbooks started for her great-grandkids. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She enjoyed doing the plays each year in Ola and was a member and director of the Ola Players.

She was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church for over 50 years.  She served in many capacities including secretary and president of the Ladies Aid.  She was also a member of the SDEA and the Eastern Star of White River.

Gratefully sharing her life are her husband William "Bill" Nelson, of Chamberlain, SD; daughter Ivy (Dale) Howe, son Steve (Kristy) Nelson all of Chamberlain, son Stan Nelson of Rapid City; grandchildren Cole (Jeana) Nelson of Sioux Falls, Ryan Howe of Harrisburg, Adam (Jessica) Nelson and Zachary (Valerie) Nelson of Chamberlain, Stevie (Chris) Bredeson of Langdon, ND, Melinda Nelson of Sioux Falls and Tavis Nelson of Rapid City; great- grandchildren Natalie, Emma, Vera, Billie, Crockett, Bennett, Aksel, and Gunnar; her brother Roy Sager; close family friend Jeanine Keiner; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, sister Connie (Keith) Ashcraft, sisters-in-law Bonnie Sager, and Shirley Goldammer; brother and sister-in-law Virgil and Marjorie Nelson; and mother-in-law Anna Mae Nelson.

Memorials may be given in Marilyn's name to the Swedish Lutheran Cemetery at Ola.