Elvera J. Van Pelt age 93, of Madison, SD died peacefully in her home under hospice care, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at her residence under hospice care. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 13, 2108 at the Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Visitation will be 6 to 8 PM Monday at the Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Fulton, SD at 1:30 PM.

Elvera was born on June 3, 1925 to Knute and Emma (Thomassen) Gabrielson in Torrey Lake Township, Platte, SD. She graduated from Platte High School and went on to get a temporary teaching degree. She had many jobs during her lifetime including teaching elementary school, working as a "Rosie the Riveter" on the first B-1 bomber, and working in Seattle at the Navy shipyards during World War II. Later in life she was a waitress, a secretary for Boys Town in Omaha, NE, a transplanter at Jahr's Greenhouse in Madison, and a homemaker. She married Ralph Reda in 1946. She later married William Ray Van Pelt on August 6, 1948 in Sioux Falls, SD.

Elvera loved reading, especially her Bible, painting/drawing, playing piano/music, lighthouses, riding motorcycles, traveling, and swimming/diving. She loved doing crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles often into the wee hours of the morning. By far her most favorite thing to do was to spend time with her children and grandchildren! She will be forever remembered as a patient, gentle, and kind mother and grandmother.

Elvera is survived by her sons: Leonard (Cindy) Van Pelt and Bill Van Pelt of Madison, and Larry Dale Gabrielson of Florida, and her daughters: Karen Reda Cole of Rapid City, Deborah(Rich) Platt of Mitchell,  Ranae Van Pelt and Pam Beck of Madison, 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray (her husband of 53 years), an infant son, Randy, an infant daughter, Lydia, 5 brothers: Kenneth, Elmer, Thomas, Gerald, and Leonard; and 6 sisters: Thonnie, Emma, Esther, Theresa, Martha, and Wanda.

Elvera's sense of humor, sweet smile, and ready hugs and kisses will be carried with her loved ones forever.