Dean B. Nielsen

Dean B. Nielsen, 82, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. His memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church or Sioux Falls Humane Society in Dean’s memory. Private family burial will take place at Hills of Rest Cemetery.

Dean B. Nielsen was born on July 21, 1943, in Lake Norden, SD, to Holger and Clarice (Bergerson) Nielsen. He attended school in Lake Norden and graduated from Lake Norden High School in 1961. Following high school, Dean attended South Dakota State University and received his bachelor’s degree in economics. Dean was a very proud SDSU alum.

While working for the state of South Dakota in Pierre, Dean met Pamela Lake from Kimball, SD. They were united in marriage on February 19, 1972, in Pukwana, SD. While living in Pierre, their son Eric was born. The family moved to Sioux Falls for Dean’s work with SECOG. Soon after their daughter Ann was born.

Dean then went to work for the Planning Department with the city of Sioux Falls. He was very proud of the work he did with the city and went on to lead Community Development/Public Parking, Finance, and his favorite role in his career was working as Chief of Staff for Mayor Gary Hanson. Even after retirement, Dean stayed active in the community through his work with Dakota Business Finance.

Dean lost his beloved wife Pam to cancer in 1998. He was fortunate to have many more years of life to spend with his family and to share special moments with his granddaughters, Ella and Ava. He was a proud grandfather (Papa), and some of his fondest memories were spent with his granddaughters, including many joyful family times at the lake, cross-country road trips, special outings for ice cream, and countless rides home from school.

Grateful for having shared his life are his son, Eric Nielsen of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Ann (Jay) Bain and their two daughters Ella and Ava, of Sioux Falls, SD; brother-in-law, Don (Margaret) Lake; nieces and nephews, Christie Zander (Paul), Dr. Mark Nielsen (Sheryl), Robert Nielsen (Barb), James Nielsen (Sharon), Bonnie Genovay, Sharan Lombardo, Maryann Linnell (Richard), and Geoffrey Nielsen (Susan) and many great-nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Holger and Clarice; wife, Pamela; and brothers, Clinton (Mary Ann) Nielsen and James (Mary) Nielsen and his adored boxers, Lillie and Olivia.