Jean Marilyn (Gubbrud) Nelson of Alcester, SD passed away peacefully at 77 years of age with her family by her side on Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD.  She was born August 13, 1942, in Sioux Falls, SD, the daughter of Leslie and Gladys (Thorsheim) Gubbrud. After graduating from Beresford High School in 1960, she attended nursing school for a year and a half before marrying Ron Nelson on May 19, 1962 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Beresford. A few months later, she watched him leave as he was drafted into the United States Army. Not long after their goodbye, the two were reunited in Germany where Ron was stationed for two years.

Upon returning to the United States, they choose to come back to South Dakota. Jean enrolled and graduated from LPN school and worked at the Alcester Nursing Home on the night shift for many years. She changed jobs as her children got older and worked at Bethesda Nursing Home in Beresford, SD before deciding to attend college at the University of South Dakota. Jean graduated in 1983 with a degree in Social Work. She worked at the Hudson Nursing Home until she was hired on by the State of South Dakota. Jean worked there for 21 years, starting out in geriatric services, until she later moved over to child protection services, which was her true calling.

She loved to serve and was involved in many organizations throughout her life. She was active in the Nathanael Lutheran Church's Quilting Group, Mary Circle, evening Bible Class and served as the WELCA Secretary (2007-2019). Jean also belonged to the Alpha Beta Sorority, Library Book Club, 2 Bridge Clubs and served on numerous task forces and committees during her years as a social worker.

She enjoyed travelling, camping, gardening and reading. Her love and devotion to her family and firm belief in God supported her and gave her peace. She touched many lives through her service and will be missed by all those that knew her.

Jean is survived by her husband, Ron of 57 years; her brother, Steve Gubbrud and wife Susan; her son, Trent Nelson and wife Nancy; her daughter Tracy Fish and husband Todd; two grandchildren Joshua and Jordan Fish; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Gladys Gubbrud and her two brothers, Dennis and Dean Gubbrud.

The Memorial Service will be held on December 30, 2019 at Nathanael Lutheran Church in Alcester at 1:00 PM with Mary Hendricks Wilkens officiating. The family of Jean wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Sanford Hospital, Good Samaritan and Ava's House for their care and compassion and to all her family and friends for their visits, phone calls and messages to Jean during this time.

Memorials may be directed to either Nathanael Lutheran Church's Rosebud Mission or to the American Cancer Society.