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Gary Gene Nelson, age 74, of Mitchell, SD died Monday, December 13, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, December 17, 2021 at the Will Funeral Chapel with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday at the Will Funeral Chapel. A video of the funeral will be available on our website following the funeral.

Gary Gene Nelson, son of Nels and Clara (Gatton) Nelson, was born March 23, 1947 in Worthington, MN. He grew up in Corsica, SD and attended school in Letcher, SD. After his schooling he entered the US Navy and was stationed in San Diego, CA. After his discharge he was employed in Georgia.

Gary was united in marriage with Connie Connor on April 4, 1966 in Mitchell, SD. While in Mitchell, Gary attended VoTech where he earned a degree in accounting. Gary was employed at United Auto, Dakota Pork and Thunes. In 1988, Gary established Gary's Repair. He continued with his business until retiring in 2000.

In his retirement he built his own home and enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. Gary enjoyed many things in his life including fishing, tending to his flowers and hunting with his son in law Craig. Gary also enjoyed woodworking, small engine repair and latch hooking with Kynlee.

Grateful for having shared his family are his wife, Connie Nelson, Mitchell, SD; his children, Tim (Sandy) Nelson, Church Point, LA, Scott Nelson, Mitchell, SD, Crystal (Lynn) Vanden Bos, Stickney, SD, Gena (Craig) Anderson, Mt. Vernon, SD; 13 grandchildren, Kayonnie (Brandon) Kitto, Gary JC Nelson, Sandy Gray, CJ (Allie) Johnson, Marcus Anderson, Shaniya (Cody) Drewes, Samantha Anderson, Noah Vanden Bos, Gyver Vanden Bos, Xander Vanden Bos, Taylor Nelson, Deseray McGlothlin, Christina Martin; 13 great grandchildren, Jake (Alex) Roberts, Savannah Roberts, Robyn Roberts, Caleb (Melissa) Roberts, Kynlee Kitto, Bentlee Kitto, Everlee Kitto, Adeline Drewes, Jaxon Johnson, Tookie McGlothlin, Tanna McGlothlin, Grayson McGlothlin, Cecil McGlothlin; four great great grandchildren, Willow Roberts, Zyla Roberts, Dominik Roberts and Jackson Roberts; two sisters, Vicki Mundy, Mitchell, SD, Lori (Roger) Burbach, Parkston, SD; a brother-in-law, Gordon (Mary Jo) Connor, Abilene, TX; a sister-in-law, Donna Connor, Artesian, SD; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Troy; his parents; his in-laws, John and Evelyn Connor; a daughter-in-law, Sherry Nelson; a sister, Judy; a sister-in-law, Ardis; brothers-in-law, Darrel, Delbert, Dennis, Albert, Larry, Rocky and Steve.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Gary's name.