Irine Bekken, 95, of Belle Fourche, SD, passed away on August 29, 2012, at the long-term healthcare center in Belle Fourche.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at St. James Lutheran Church in Belle Fourche with Pastor Jeff Otterman officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at St. James Lutheran Church.

Irine was born June 22, 1917, near Bison to Edwin and Bertha Rue. She was active in helping care for the livestock and riding horses for her parents. After marrying Earle Nelson, she helped with the operation of the ranch, which she and Earle bought from Earle's parents. Later they traveled with race horses in South Dakota, Montana, and Canada. After Earle passed away, she operated the ranch and continued with the racing of the thoroughbred horses. This love of horses continued with her second husband, Truman "Stub" Bekken. After selling the ranch to her son, Jerry, she and Truman bought a place on Wood road near Belle Fourche.

Irine was very active in volunteer work at the hospital in Belle Fourche and the Tri-State Museum. She enjoyed three different bus tours to Missouri, Tennessee, and North Dakota. She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church and was active in various activities until her health wouldn't allow.

Irine is survived by her daughter, Rose (Duane) Buckmeier, Prairie City; daughter-in-law, Betty Nelson, Bison; sister-in-law, Mev Shipley, Sturgis; step-daughter, Bunny Bekken, New Mexico; step-son, Denny Bekken, New Mexico; grandchildren, Russel Nelson, Penny Nelson, and Melanie (Narcisso) Acosta; numerous great-grandchildren; and some very dear nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Earle Nelson and Truman Bekken; one son, Gerald Nelson; her sister, Stella (Hugh) Hafner; sister-in-law, Addie (Ralph) Killinen; brothers-in-law, Ted Bekken, Roy (Barbara) (Helene) Nelson, Fritz (Maggie) Nelson, and Ralph Nelson.

A memorial has been established.