Service: A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, July 13th at the Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD with burial at the Lands Lutheran Cemetery near Hudson, SD.

Nels Rudolph Ekle, 83, of Pierre, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, in Pierre. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, July 13th at the Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD with burial at the Lands Lutheran Cemetery near Hudson, SD.

Born on July 5, 1943, in Canton, South Dakota to Ingvald and Esther (Petersen) Ekle. Nels lived a full and meaningful life dedicated to his family, hard work, and the simple joys of nature.

He spent his formative years in Canton and Alcester, South Dakota, where he graduated from Alcester High School. On June 28, 1964, Nels married the love of his life, Betty Oldenkamp, at Lands Lutheran Church. Together they built a life filled with love and shared experiences that spanned over six decades.

Throughout his career, Nels worked at Bidwell manufacturing, a greenhouse, Alco, and Walmart. His dedication to his work was matched only by his passion for the outdoors. Nels found great joy in fishing and camping and took pride in cultivating a large garden each summer. He had a particular way of mowing the lawn that only he could perfect.

He is survived by his devoted wife Betty; their children Lisa (Kevin) Wilcox of Brookings, South Dakota; Brian (Amanda) Ekle of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Jeff (Kara) Ekle of Pierre; and Jonathan Ekle of Pierre. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who brought great joy to his life.

Nels was predeceased by his parents and sisters Elvera Heinzman and Arlene Heinzman.