Edward C. Nelson, 79, of Deadwood, SD passed away on April 14, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.


He was the second child born to Edward and Frances Nelson on January 5, 1938 in Norfolk, NE.


Ed graduated high school in Winner, SD in 1956, and joined the United States Navy in 1957, and was honorably discharged in 1960. After leaving the military he returned to Winner and married the love of his life, LaVonne Kuil, on May 27, 1962. The couple lived in many places throughout their marriage, finally settling in Deadwood in 1977. He had many careers; one of which he was very proud, as a police officer for the City of Winner and eventually retiring from the United States Post Office.


Ed was a kind and gentle man with a quick wit and marvelous sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, his ham radio and shooting his guns.


Ed was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, LaVonne; his parents, Ed and Frances; his brother-in-laws, Gerald Morganfield, Lawrence Nespor, John Kuil and Don Kuil; his father and mother-in-law Henry and Louise Kuil. He is survived by his children, Robert (Donna) of Deadwood, Terry (Debbie), Winner, Vickie of Deadwood and Randy (Theresa) of Deadwood; his grandchildren, Robert Nelson Jr., Bradley Nelson, Tennille Miller, Brittany Strong, Zachery Nelson, Lucas La Forest, Caraline La Forest, Michael Prado and Christopher Prado; a sister, Lois Morganfield, a sister-in-law, Geri Nespor; a brother-in-law, Verlyn (Patty) Kuil; 16 great-grandchildren (and one on the way) and numerous nieces and nephews.


A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Deadwood. Inurnment with Full Military Honors will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

For parking convenience of those attending the Memorial Service, please use the top deck of the Deadwood City parking garage by St. John's Episcopal Church.