Bernadette Nelson

Bernadette Nelson, 56, Rapid City, passed away suddenly Monday, May 12, 2014 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Bernie was born December 23, 1957 to Aloysius and Bernice(Mastel) Holzer in Strasburg, ND. The family moved to Rapid City when she was 5 years old and she grew up here with her 5 younger siblings. She graduated from Rapid City Central High School in 1976. She worked as an office manager at Fair Deal Pawn Shop and began working there in 1987. She worked hard to keep everything organized for her boss John. Although, he has recently said that “she’s really the boss”. Bernie enjoyed fishing on the boat as often as possible with her husband, Dana and her grandson. Another favorite pastime for her was shopping with her granddaughters. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and would take them to movies and bowling when she could. She is survived by her husband of nearly 25 years, Dana Nelson, her daughters, Desiree (Justin) Dillavou; Tiffany (Jason) Nelson, Cristen Truax and Tara Nelson (fiancé, Justin Clayton); 3 granddaughters, Aubrianna, Caleigh, and Camarae Dillavou; her grandson Javen Hudalla; her father, Aloysius ‘Al’ Holzer, Rapid City; 3 brothers, Al (Donette) Holzer, Victor (Dawn) Holzer, Wayne (Kim) Holzer, 2 sisters, Donna (Duane) Edlund and Carol Buckingham, all of Rapid City; plus many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She is preceded in death by her infant son, Dana Truax, her mother, Bernice Holzer and an infant sister, Alice Holzer.