Robert Emmett Nelson

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Robert Emmett Nelson died unexpectedly on Sat evening May 25th, following a brief illness. Bob, as he was fondly known to family and friends, was admitted to Sanford Hospital for worsening pulmonary problems. It was later determined that he suffered from pulmonary fibrosis, the same condition that took his father, brother and various uncles. He ultimately succumbed after a brief battle and has moved on to Christ's gentle embrace. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 30, 2013, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. A private family interment will precede the service at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Garretson. Visitation with the family present will be from 6-8:30 PM Wednesday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson.

Bob Nelson was born April 29, 1939 in Garretson SD. to George Emmett and Gertrude Nelson. He was raised with his family and brother Rolly in Garretson SD where he excelled in various activities including athletics, music and academics at Garretson High School graduating in 1957. After HS graduation he attended Drake University where he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy and ultimately returned to Garretson where he purchased and continued as the third generation to manage the Johnson Drug Co.

On June 25, 1963, he was married to Mary Susan Eitreim at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson, SD. This marriage resulted with a family of three children Christopher, Matthew, and Jonathan.

Bob was active in all civic and business duties in Garretson where he served as City Councilor and eventually Mayor for a number of years. His Pharmaceutical profession was central to his State Board of Pharmacy affiliation. He was an active member at Zion Lutheran Church serving in many capacities as teacher, deacon, as well as a variety of civic oriented endeavors. He carried the family business into its 96th year before closing its doors due to the changing times.

Later in life he was married to Barbara Emery of Luverne MN and they continued their lives together in the presence of her children, Timothy, Daniel and Christina. He held various Pharmacist positions over the remaining years where he finished his career in Parker SD ultimately retiring in 2010. He often reminisced of the "small town" feeling and how it brought back so many good memories and ability to establish friendships.

He was an accomplished wood turner, completing many award winning pieces. He always enjoyed having a "project" at his house, the houses of his children or anywhere else he found he was needed. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's various athletic events and programs. His "whistle" was legendary, setting him apart from most other fans and for summoning home his beloved. He enjoyed times of hunting, fishing, baseball "catches" and discussing history.

He served his profession well, giving of himself countless times for his patrons and was "always there" when anything was needed. We are blessed and grateful to have shared his presence in our lives.

Having enjoyed his life and his heartfelt laughter were his, wife, Barbara; his children, daughters-in-law and grandchildren: Christopher and Robbin and their children Alexandra, Keeghan, Kailey and Mason, of Sioux Falls; Matthew and Carrie and their children Ashby, Ainsley, Abrielle and Alijah of Wausa, NE; Jonathan and Jackie and their daughter Anika, of Sioux Falls; Step-children Timothy and Janet Emery and their children Adam, Alexander, Brooke and Sydney, of Burnsville, MN; Christina and Ousman Jobe and their children Samba and Saloum, Brooklyn Park, MN; and Daniel Emery of Oregon.

May God bless the memory of Robert Emmett Nelson eternally.