Service: A private family burial will be held.
Nellie J. Detmers, age 93, died Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Avera Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls, SD. A private family burial will be held.
Nellie was born on February 10, 1932 in Lyon County Iowa to Adrian and Gertrude (Burggraaf) Buitendyk. She graduated from Inwood High School and later attended Nettleton Business School. She married Wayne Detmers on December 23, 1950 in Sioux Falls, SD. Peggy, Dennis and Brian were born to this union. The couple lived in Colorado Springs, CO, several cities in South Dakota, and after Wayne’s death in 1971, the family moved to Canton, SD.
In addition to raising her kids, Nellie worked at the Lewdoc Café and the Canton Public Library. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling.
Nellie is survived by her daughter, Peggy Detmers (Joel Bielstein); son Brian (Anita Nelson) Detmers; granddaughter, Emma; brother, Adrian Buitendyk, Jr., along with many extended relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, Dennis.
Sympathies to Nellie’s family. She was a jewel.
My condolences to all. Your mother always had a smile on her face and was so fun to visit with.
Brian & Peggy. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I hope you are/will be comforted by & find peace in all your wonderful memories of times spent together. God bless you & your families,
I was fortunate enough to work with Nellie at “Sharon’s Cafe” for a couple of years before I went off to college. I have nothing but wonderful memories of lots of laughter and her kind and caring heart. My deepest condolences to you, Brian, and all of her family and friends.
RIP Nellie
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. OH SO MANY YEARS OF MEMORIES WITH NELLIE, WAYNE AND FAMILY.
Brian I am so sorry. I have many great memories of your mother she was a lady that I will never forget.
Sympathy to Detmer family I knew the Buitendyk family years ago also Sympathy to Adrian jr.
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of helping Nellie at home. She found a special place in my heart instantly.