Katharine E. Nelson, 64, Spearfish, died Friday, July 25th, 2014 at the Dorsett Home in Spearfish following a lengthy battle with cancer and multiple scleroses.


Memorial Services for Kathy will be held Tuesday, July 29th at 11:00 a.m. at Lead- Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead with Father Mike Johnson officiating.

Katharine Elizabeth Huhtala was born July 24, 1950, in Seattle, Washington to Ernest E. and Jennie Hazel (Ypparila) Huhtala. She moved to Lead as a young child. Kathy graduated from Lead High School with the Class of 1968 and attended National College of Business 1968-1969 earning an Associate of Science Degree. She married Lanny Nelson December 5, 1970 and to this union two children were born.

Kathy lived and worked in Emmett, Idaho for a time. After returning to Lead she was active in numerous organizations and worked at Phoebes' in Lead and different Gaming Casinos in Deadwood until her MS forced her retirement.

She is survived by her daughter Tonya Nelson, Lead; son, Ryan Nelson, Kuna Idaho; four grandchildren, Max, Carter, Quentin and Alleenah; aunt, Mazie Asmussen, Spearfish; uncle, Elmer Ypparila, Cody, WY; sister-in-law, Linda Huhtala; two nephews, and many cousins.

Besides her brother, Ken, Kathy was preceded in death by her parents.

Burial will be at Mountain Lawn Cemetery, Englewood.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Multiple scleroses.