Ron Nelson

Ron Nelson, 78 of Parker, passed away on June 10, 2026 at the Sanford Foundation Hospice Cottage. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 Friday, August 14, 2026 at Grace Lutheran Church, Parker. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday, August 13, 2026 at the church. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.

Ronald Duane Nelson, 78, of Parker, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, after a courageous and lengthy battle with prostate cancer.

For years, Ron faced his illness with the same strength, determination, faith, and quiet grace that defined his entire life. When his earthly journey came to an end, he was finally free from pain and suffering. While his family grieves his loss deeply, we find comfort and joy in imagining the beautiful reunion that awaited him as he was welcomed home by the love of his life, Elaine, whom he had missed every day since her passing in 2010.

It is impossible to capture a life as full and meaningful as Ron's in a few paragraphs. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, public servant, church member, and friend. More than any title he ever held, he was a man who loved deeply, served faithfully, and made every place he touched a little better.

Ron was born on March 30, 1948, to Lowell and Mildred (Hagen) Nelson. He grew up on a farm near Monroe, South Dakota, where he learned the values of hard work, faith, service, and family that would guide him throughout his life. He later graduated from Parker High School and attended South Dakota State University.

On December 1, 1967, he married Elaine (Zandt). Together they built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, and community. After their marriage, they lived on a farm north of Parker where they raised their family before moving into town in the summer of 1988.

Ron and Elaine were blessed with three children, Chad, Jerrice, and Monica, who were the pride of his life. As the family grew, so did his joy. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than his grandchildren. He loved watching them grow, attending their activities, sharing stories, spending time outdoors, and creating memories they will carry with them forever.

Education and athletics were among Ron's greatest passions. Throughout his career as a teacher and coach, he touched the lives of countless students and athletes. He became one of the most respected figures in South Dakota volleyball, not only for his success on the court but for his dedication to the young people he mentored. His influence extended far beyond the teams he coached. In 1981, Ron helped convince the Parker Jaycees to host the first unofficial South Dakota State Volleyball Tournament. The success of that event helped lead to the official sanctioning of girls volleyball in South Dakota. He later used his leadership within the South Dakota Volleyball Coaches Association to advocate for improvements that helped shape and strengthen the sport across the state. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Ron was inducted into the South Dakota Volleyball Hall of Fame in November 2010.

Ron also devoted much of his life to serving the City of Parker. For more than three decades, he served as mayor, caring deeply about the community he called home and working tirelessly to improve it. Among his proudest accomplishments was helping secure Parker's connection to the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, ensuring a reliable water source for future generations.

Following retirement, Ron worked as a driver for Prairie Coach in Dell Rapids, a job he truly loved. He enjoyed meeting people, seeing new places, and especially loved driving the Cajun Tour route. The friendships he made and experiences he shared during those years brought him great joy.

Faith was the foundation of Ron's life. He was a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church and found great joy singing in the church choir. His faith guided his decisions, strengthened him through life's challenges, and remained steadfast throughout the loss of Elaine as well as his battle with cancer.

When he was not working or serving others, Ron loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed golfing, camping, hunting, fishing with friends and family, annual fishing trips to Canada, and spending time at the family's cabin in Custer, especially driving the Wildlife Loop. Those simple moments together were among his greatest treasures.

Above all else, Ron loved his family. He was a steady presence, a trusted advisor, a loving husband, a proud father, and a proud grandfather. His family will remember his unwavering support, his servant's heart, his dedication to others, and the example he set through a life of faith, humility, and love.

Ron is survived by his children, Chad (Trish) Nelson of Sioux Falls, Jerrice (Chris) Thorson of Sioux Falls, and Monica (Corey) Alm of Mitchell; grandchildren Nate, Ben, and Sam Nelson, Leif and Avery Thorson, and Taylin, Tegan, Zane, and Kaspen Alm; siblings DorRayne (Dick) Phillips, Jeannine Ogle (Randy), Jim (Barb) Nelson, and Peggy (Willie) Williamson; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine Nelson; his parents, Lowell and Mildred Nelson; his sisters, Judie Nelson and Jill Nelson; and his granddaughter, Kyza Lynn Alm.

A life of service. A life of faith. A life of love.