Noble I. Nelson Jr, was born May 25, 1929 in Clay County, South Dakota to parents Noble and Ida (Osthus) Nelson. He was raised on the family farm in Clay County and attended Ireland Country School and Centerville High School. After graduation, he worked on the family farm with his dad. He was drafted during the Korean War and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1951. Upon completing basic training in California, Noble returned to Centerville to marry his high school sweetheart, Marlys Peterson. They were united at Scandia Lutheran Church on February 24, 1952.

Noble was deployed to Korea in October of 1952. 23 days later, during a battle in Korea, he was missing in action. On April 1st, Marlys received a telegram that he was a prisoner of war. After nine and a half months, the war ended, a prisoner exchange took place, and Noble was released. Upon his return to Centerville, his hometown held a parade to welcome him home.

During his working years, he enjoyed farming and working as a mechanic at the Motor Inn. Noble had the gift of understanding small engines and could repair anything. He was often found tinkering on lawn mowers and caring for all his animals. Marlys and he enjoyed family time spent at their vacation home in Minnesota, and later in Lake Andes, SD. They enjoyed wintering in McAllen, Texas with their friends. In recent years, Noble could often be found sitting at the kitchen table with a never ending cup of coffee and a multitude of company to entertain.

While surrounded by family, Noble was accepted into the arms of his Savior on October 9, 2019, at Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Viborg, South Dakota at the age of 90. Noble was reunited with his parents; a brother, Allen Nelson; and two sisters, Delores (Chet) Hult and Margie (Wayne) Ebsen; father and mother-in-law Ellsworth and Ida Peterson; sister-in-law, Eldonna (Ronnie) Bartlett; and brother-in-law, Doyle "Bud" Peterson.

Noble is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Marlys; two daughters, Julie (Arden "Pete") Junker and Betty (Dale) Johnson all of Centerville; five grandchildren, Jamie Jo Johnson of Sioux Falls, JuLynn (Clint) Perry of Centerville, Jessica (Tony) Pingrey of Centerville, Braden (Andrea) Junker of Canton and Jenny (Cody) Huisken of Sioux Falls; eight great-grandchildren, Christian Perry, Brooke Pingrey, Gunner Pingrey, Isaiah Perry, Kate Junker, Elleanor Huisken, Mara Junker and Everson Huisken; sisters-in-law, Priscilla (Richard) Landsman and Claire (Peterson) Jacobsen all of Sioux Falls and brother-in-law, Ronald (Jenny) Peterson of Vermillion; several special nieces and nephews, family, and many friends.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00PM Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at Scandia Lutheran Church in Centerville. Burial with military honors will follow at Holland Cemetery, Centerville, SD. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00-7:00PM Monday, October 14, 2019 in the fellowship hall at Scandia Lutheran Church, with a prayer service at 7:00PM.