Karen Kay Nelson

Karen Kay (Ketel) Nelson, 67, passed away December 1, 2014 in Rapid City. She was born on August 18, 1947 in Stickney, SD, the youngest child of Lawrence and Katherine Ketel. She graduated in 1965 from Huron High School. She married Carroll D. Nelson in 1967. In 1969, she graduated from Southern State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Music, concentrating on vocal and music conducting. She taught choir in various schools in eastern SD, eventually moving to San Bernardino, CA in 1987, where she built and managed 2 high school marching bands. She retired after 17 years, returning to the Black Hills in 2004, where she participated in the First United Methodist Church choir and conducted choir at First Congregational Church. She enjoyed camping and fishing, sometimes even landing 2 walleye on 1 line.She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister, Marilyn.She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Carroll D. Nelson, son, Michael Nelson, daughter, Julie Navarro, son in law, Fred Navarro and grandson, Alexander of San Bernardino, CA; a sister, Loris Doorn, Mitchell, brothers, LeRoy Ketel (Jody), Ken Ketel (Diane), Rapid City as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.