Gwenneth Ellen Nielsen passed away Sunday, May 23, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 87 years, six months and twenty-three days.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Brooklyn Evangelical Free Church.  Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Brooklyn Free Evangelical Church.

Gwenneth Erickson was born October 31, 1933 in Beresford, SD to parents George and Dorcas (Norman) Erickson.  She attended Gothland Country School in Union County, SD and graduated from Beresford High School in 1951. She then attended nursing school for 12 months at Sioux Valley Hospital.  At age 16, she met the love of her life, Harlan Nielsen.  Gwen and Harlan were united in marriage on June 16, 1954 at Brooklyn Church in Beresford, SD.

Gwen found great joy and purpose in cooking, housekeeping, and taking care of her family.  She enjoyed playing and teaching others the piano and accordion.  Gwen and Harlan made time many a Sunday afternoon to ride motorcycles together.

Gwen is survived by her loving husband, Harlan Nielsen of Beresford, SD; two children, Bob (Sheryl) Nielsen and Jack (Dianne) Nielsen, all of Beresford, SD; son-in-law, Shawn DuBois of Beresford, SD; seven grandchildren, Doug (Deb) Lyle of Beresford, SD, Angie (Mike) Wiebers of Sioux Falls, SD, Billy (Shelly) Lyle of Sioux Falls, SD, Cody (Kari) Nielsen of Rapid City, SD, Josh (Lisa) Martens of Garretson, SD, Justin (Heidi) Nielsen of Stanley, ND, and Jared Nielsen of Beresford, SD; great-grandchildren, Derek (Madison), Gage, Larissa, Talon, Macie, Aaliyah, Rhylee, Owen, Aiden, and Arlo; her sister, Ruth (Leon) Hansen of Beresford, SD, two brothers, Norman (Karen) Erickson of Beresford, SD and Howard (Mary) Erickson of Spink, SD; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Joannie DuBois and Joy Nielsen; and great-grandson, Zachary Wiebers.