Wayne Lee Nelson, 88, of Redfield, SD, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield.

Services will take place on Saturday, June 13, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wayne’s funeral service, with Masonic Rites, will start at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Keith C. Kraft officiating. His committal service, including military honors, will follow the service at Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the church hall.

The family kindly requests that memorials be directed to the UCC Placerville Camp Fund (c/o First Congregational United Church of Christ / 125 E 7th Ave. / Redfield, SD / 57469), Yelduz Shrine Transportation Fund (Yelduz Shrine / 802 S. Main Street / Aberdeen, SD / 57401), or Eastern Star Home (PO Box 150 / Redfield, SD / 57469).

The family asks that any flower orders be ordered from Country Classics Floral Shoppe (605-472-1125) in Redfield.

The funeral service will be live-streamed through a link on the funeral home’s website, below Wayne’s obituary in the funeral service panel. Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield has been entrusted with arrangements (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

Wayne was born to Lena (Weber) and Adrian Nelson on September 17, 1937, in Redfield.

He attended grade school at the Roeber Country School and was a proud graduate of Tulare High School, class of 1955. Wayne joined the Army National Guard in 1955, serving 8 years. He farmed on the family homestead from 1955 – 1968.

Wayne married Rita (Keelin) Brugger on August 8, 1964, and became an instant Dad to Kathy, Mark, and Marvelle. Then, soon after, to Todd and Judy.

Wayne and Rita operated Tulare Lockers before opening Wayne Nelson Realty in 1964, where they worked until 1994.

The family spent time at the cabin at Cottonwood Lake and camping whenever they could.

Wayne served on many boards throughout his career and enjoyed being an active member of Jaycees, Lions Club, OES, Masons, and Shriners. He loved being a part of the Shriners Clown unit and Classy Wheels.

In 1986, Wayne started working for the Investment Center, moving them to Montana, then to Sioux Falls, SD, Miller, SD, and was happy to retire back in Redfield.

In retirement, Wayne and Rita enjoyed their time together working as campground hosts at Adventure Land Amusement Park and later at Custer State Park as a Buffalo Jeep tour guide.

Wayne was confirmed at St John’s Church in Tulare, SD, and was a faithful member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield.

Wayne loved following the extended families in their sports and many activities.

Grateful for sharing his life are his children: Marvelle (Bob) Paulsen, Redfield, Todd (Jill) Nelson, Sioux Falls, and Judy (David) Grabinski, Rockham, SD. Grandchildren: Angela (Travis) Rice, Rockham, Sara (Brock) Klapperich, Conde, SD, Chris (Kristina) Paulsen, Texas, Trista Paulsen, Aberdeen, SD, Denae Paulsen, Brookings, SD, Nyakier (Christian) Paulsen, Watertown, SD, Melakye Paulsen, Watertown, Octavia Paulsen, Redfield, Jennifer Kroon-Nelson, Sioux Falls, Nathan Grabinski, Rockham, Adriane (Mackenzie) Armstrong, Piedmont, SD, and Leah Grabinski Rockham. Great-Grandchildren: Oliva and Addyson (Payton Moore) Rice, Grayson and Kora Klapperich, William and Peyton Paulsen, Bella Paulsen, Emersyn, Lucy and Charlee Grabinski, and Bodhi Armstrong. Sisters-in-law: Reta Rose Nelson and Mary Lee Keelin.

Nephews and Nieces: Dean, Dawn, Dana, and Dara Nelson, and Tony, Cory, Paula, and Krissy Keelin and their extended families. And so many other acquaintances that he enjoyed knowing throughout his life.

Preceded in death: His loving wife Rita Nelson, Daughter Kathy Nelson, Son Mark Brugger-Nelson, Parents Lena and Adrian Nelson, Brother Gary Nelson, Sons-in-law: Stanley Christensen, Russel Christman, and Louis Ludwig, Brothers-in-law Don Keelin and Larry (Terry) Keelin, and Nephew Tad Keelin.