Curtis Dean Nelson

Curtis Nelson, 92, longtime resident of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in Canton, SD.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home (Downtown), 507 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD. Burial will follow at Hills of Rest Cemetery, 300 N. Chapel Hill Rd., Sioux Falls, SD.

Curtis Dean Nelson, son of Bendic and Rosa (Odegaard) Nelson, was born September 20, 1933, in Hudson, SD. He grew up in the Alcester, SD area and graduated from Alcester High School in 1952. Curtis proudly served two years in the United States Marine Corps. Following his service, he worked at a gas station for a short time before moving to Sioux Falls, SD.

Curtis was united in marriage to Elizabeth Darger on November 1, 1958, in Sioux Falls. To this union, three children were born: Dean, Dawn, and Denise. Curtis began working at Sioux Steel, where he later became a foreman. He retired in 1995 after 38 years of dedicated service. Elizabeth preceded him in death in 1995.

Curtis was later united in marriage to Delores “Dee” Hanson on August 11, 1996, in Sioux Falls. She preceded him in death in 2021.

Curtis was a member of Sunnycrest Methodist Church and the American Legion. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening, hobbies that reflected his patience and creativity.

Grateful for having shared his life are his children: Dean Nelson, Sioux Falls, SD; Dawn (Terry) Glaser, Sioux Falls, SD;  stepchildren, Barbara Fogarty, Sioux Falls, SD, Carolyn (Mark) Devick, Nakomis, FL, and Rudee Westphal, Blackhawk, SD; 3 grandchildren; 15 step-grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 9 step-great-grandchildren; brothers, Bennett (Vera) Nelson, Cherokee, IA, and James (Carol) Nelson, Davis, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Elizabeth and Delores; daughter, Denise; stepdaughter, Dort Atwood; stepson, Dennis Westphal; brothers, Donald and Robert; and sisters, Lila ,Sis, Toots, and Mil.