Velva Nielsen, 88, of Mitchell passed away Sunday, July 4, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.  Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, July 9, 2021 at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, July 8, 2021 at Will Funeral Chapel.  Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.

Velva Nielsen was born January 30, 1933 in Mitchell, SD to Max and Mable (Thimsen) Schmitz.  Velva attended country school with her brother, Donald, graduating from White Lake.

Velva was united in marriage to Edward Nielsen, Jr. on August 17, 1952.  They moved to Corpus Cristi, Texas and Orlando, Florida for a short time.  They returned to Rapid City and eventually to their roots where they operated a cattle ranch living on Jack Rabbit Road near White Lake.  Velva worked unselfishly supporting Edward in every way to continue to grow their ranching operation.

To this marriage, two sons were born, Allen and Harlan.  A move to Mitchell in 1965, where their daughter, Sharlene was born.

Velva loved to cook.  No one made better pie, chocolate cake and chocolate chip cookies than Velva.  She was known for her home-grown cucumbers.  Velva was a devoted wife, loving mother and supportive of all her children's activities and their biggest cheerleader.  She had never ending love for her grandchildren, Sarah, Jenna, Austin and Drew. Velva was intelligent, beyond witty with a bit of sarcasm thrown in just for fun.  She loved to watch NBA basketball and rarely missed a Mitchell Kernels game.  If she could not attend the game, the radio was the next best option.  She also loved Red Lobster and may have had an entrée named after her. She was always there to solve a problem even at 3 AM since she was probably up working crossword puzzles.  Bingo for money was very competitive at assisted living.  Oh, and she liked her coffee hot.

Velva was a devout Christian.

Velva taught piano lessons for 25 years and enjoyed sharing the fine art of music education with all students. She was twice President of the Mitchell Garden Club.  She enjoyed gardening, knitting and crocheting.  She continued to take computer classes to keep her mind sharp.

Grateful for sharing her life are her children; Allen Nielsen (White River), Harlan (Julie) Nielsen and grandson, Drew (Sioux Falls), Sharlene Stein (Sioux Falls), grandchildren, Sarah (Omaha, NE), Austin Stein (Volga) and Jenna Stein (Sioux Falls).

Velva was proceeded in death by her husband, Edward Nielsen, Jr., brother, Donald, and her mother and father.