John Harold Nelson, 86, Newell, died Friday, October 14, 2011, at Belle Fourche Regional Senior Care. Following his wishes, his body has been cremated.

A memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor Tom Martin officiating. Inurnment will follow at Hope Cemetery in Newell.

Harold was born April 1, 1925, at Newell, SD, to Albert and Julia (Stolnack) Nelson. He attended school in Newell and graduated from Newell High School.

He married Alberta Larive on June 29, 1957, at the St. Onge Congregational Church in St. Onge, SD. Harold farmed and ranched his entire life.

Harold was an active board member of the Belle Fourche Irrigation District for many years. He made several trips to Washington, DC, seeking funding for various water projects.

Harold enjoyed bowling and dancing with his wife, Alberta. He also enjoyed predicting the weather and playing cards. He enjoyed working the land, especially one shovel full at a time. He ended the day with one of his kids scratching his back and a bowl of ice cream.

Survivors include his wife, Alberta Nelson, Newell; two sons, John Nelson, Lonsdale, MN, and Gary (Lisa) Nelson, Newell; four daughters, Rosalie (Charles) Tennis, Vale, SD, Roselyn Nelson (Wolfgang Manwell), Rapid City, SD, Iona (David) Branscum, Sioux Falls, SD, and Sherry (Jim) Babcock, Wolsey, SD; six grandchildren, Heath and Miranda Nelson, Alex and Tyler Babcock, and Nicholas and Abigail Nelson; and one sister, Mary Prestjohn, McKinney, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Emil and Wesley.

Memorials have been established to the Newell Ambulance and the Newell Fire Department.