MEMORIAL CARD
Gladys Mildred Nelson was born April 12, 1910 at Sioux Falls, SD, to Michael and Julia Brende. She was baptized at Renner Lutheran, but was a charter member of First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls where she was involved in many organizations and activities, especially music. Gladys attended school in Sioux Falls and graduated from Augustana College in 1932. During her years at Augustana, she was active in music and sang solos for weddings and funerals and even live radio broadcasts in the 1930's. Gladys was the first May Queen in her Junior year and Homecoming Queen in her Senior year.
Following graduation she taught at Oldham, Egan, Colton, and Dell Rapids. During these years she coached many students to successful state vocal contests. Gladys married Arthur Nelson on August 16, 1938. They lived in Dell Rapids and Baltic before moving to Sioux Falls in 1948. Gladys retired from teaching in the Sioux Falls system in 1971. Gladys directed the Orpheus Mens Choir and was also an active member of PEO Chapter BY
Gladys was 92 when she passed away February 16, 2003 at Good Samaritan Luther Manor where she resided for the last four years.
Grateful for having shared in her life are her two daughters, Mary (Doug) Knudson, and Grace Bass; five grandchildren, Aaron (Cindy) Knudson, Jason (Tamara) Knudson, Philip (Sondra) Knudson, Marna (John) Phinney, and Julie (Dennis) Ganter; 9 great-grandchildren, Jessica, Michael, Tyler, Mason, Spencer, Taylor, Lauren, Cailyn, and Nathan. In less than a month she would have been great-grandma again. Gladys is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Norma Nelson, Dell Rapids, MaryAnn Nelson, Frederick, SD; a special cousin, Irene Moen, and numerous other relatives & friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Arthur in 1977, and her brother, Philip Brende.
FUNERAL SERVICE
1:00 pm, Wednesday, February 19, 2003
Reverend David Bacon - Officiating
Renner Lutheran Church, Renner, South Dakota
MUSIC
Organist - Ellen Aadland Prelude music by Dick Dybvig
Soloist - Ron Peterson
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus" #630
"Jesus Loves Me" #185
"Our Savior Precious Savior" #514
Special poem written and read by Julie Ganter
INTERMENT
Hills of Rest Memorial Park Sioux Falls, South Dakota
PALLBEARERS
Aaron Knudson, John Phinney, Jason Knudson, Dennis Ganter, Phil Knudson, Ryne Brende
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Herman Brende, Gordon Volden, Elmer Brende Jr., Ron Peterson, Orrin Volden, Gary Nelson
Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, South Dakota