Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
Service: Memorial services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church, Canton, SD.
Glenn Noray Nelson, age 96, died Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD. Memorial services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church, Canton, SD. Visitation, with family present, will be Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
Glenn was born on the family farm near Canton, SD on July 28, 1924 to Norman and Ina (Reierson) Nelson. Growing up on the farm in the Grand Valley area, he attended Grand Valley Rural School. He served his country in the U.S Army during WWII, where he traveled to Japan. He took over the family farm where he raised crops and livestock. During this time he worked for the government inspecting sheep.
Glenn loved bowling and bowled three 300 games in leagues and tournaments, and it was during this time that he came to a saving faith in Christ, which changed his life forever. After his conversion, God led him to a relationship with Mariann (Kay) Nelson and they were married on June 5, 1964 at Canton United Methodist Church. Glenn continued to farm, raise sheep and shelled corn for many people through the years. They raised their family of four cherished daughters on the farm until they moved to Canton in the fall of 1984. After retiring, he worked for the ASCS/FSA office and the Lincoln County Soil Conservation District.
Glenn’s passion for sharing Christ never went unnoticed. Taking a mission trip to Mexico was a highlight in his journey of faith. However, his real passion was serving with the Gideons and the Gospel Mission for decades. Speaking for both organizations was something he did frequently, along with filling in at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church, where he was a charter member. Handing out Bibles for the Gideons was always a top priority. Glenn’s dynamic personality allowed him to strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere. He had a wonderful sense of humor; loved to laugh and share his faith in Christ.
Spending time with his family was always something he fit into a busy farmer’s life, 6 a.m. golfing, fishing trips, picnicking at Newton Hills. He also loved zipping around town on his moped and always found time for a quick nap.
Time with his family was very precious. When family grew up and moved away, he was always up for a trip to see them. Grandchildren were always needing grampa to bring them to the park, give them a ride on the moped, read a book or just cuddle up on his lap.
Glenn is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kay; daughters, Robin Nelson, Lynne (Steve) Johnson and Carol (Lauren) Rosgaard; grandchildren, Alexander Unverzagt, Abigail Unverzagt (fiancé Joel Johnson), Sophia (Cape) Molstad, and Ina, Seth and Isaac Rosgaard; great-grandchildren, Amelia and one on the way; along with numbers of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Randi Unverzagt.
We are so very sorry for your loss. May God wrap his arms around all of you and comfort you during this difficult time.
Sending our love,
Bob and Janet
My condolences to you all. Glenn was a most wonderful gentleman. May the Love and Peace of the Lord be with you all now and always.
My deepest sympathy to you all. Glenn was such a great guy. Trusting our Heavenly Father will bring you peace and comfort.
Lynette
Oh Nelsons, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father! Glenn was truly as described – loving to laugh, having a sweet sense of humor, and loving & spreading God’s word through the Gideons! I remember Glenn sweetly smiling when Carol and I got a little too silly after watching Princess Bride, or other 80s movies at the time. His humility and kindness definitely made a mark on me and in my walk with Christ. I will be holding you all up in my thoughts and prayers, with much love!
Our love and prayers are with you, Kay, and your family. Glenn was such a wonderful person and a perfect example of a follower of Jesus Christ. We’re grateful for being able to see him on our last visit. May Heavenly Father comfort and strengthen you.
Sending deepest sympathy for your loss. Enjoyed working with Glenn at the ASCS office. Always had a smile!
Dear Kay and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Glenn played an important role in my youth. He was a part of all our family celebrations! All of the Reierson kids were blessed to have him in our lives. He made us all feel welcomed and loved. His laugh was infectious! As an adult, he was always one of the people I wanted to see when I returned to the Canton area. He just made the world a better place through his faith and welcoming spirit. He will be missed!
What an awesome legacy Glenn left-
I love his daughters -meeting Lynne Norae first -what an honor to have your dads name 😌 Lynne-
And later meeting all the sisters –
Glenn is celebrating at the feet of Jesus
His Lord and Savior and seeing Randi whole again!!
I love all you Nelson’s:) prayers for you and your family as you celebrate Glenn amd look forward to the day you see him again .
You have my thoughts and prayers as you journey through your sorrow and grief. In sympathy Dr Janell Christiansen