Cecil Woodrow Nelson, 97, Sturgis, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012, in Rapid City Regional Hospital from a brief illness.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. in the Trinity United Methodist Church, Lead, with Pastor Mark Phillips officiating. Burial followed in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Visitation was Friday from noon to 7 p.m. with the family present from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Kinkade Funeral Chapel.
Cecil was one of nine children born Jan. 28, 1915 to Charles M. and Cordelia (Burnett) Nelson at Artesian.  He was married to Thelma (Sanmark) for 49 years until her death in 1986. He married Dakota (Threadgold) Hildebrandt on Sept. 29, 1990, and they were married for 15 years until Dakota’s death in 2005.
As a young man during the Depression years, Cecil held several jobs, sometimes more than one at a time, to support his family. He farmed near Artesian until 1960 when he moved his family to Lead, where he became the owner-operator of a Sinclair station, and later owner-operator of  76 Liquors in Deadwood. After selling the liquor store he went into a home remodeling business with a lifelong friend, Ross O’Riley, Jr., until Ross’ death.
Cecil enjoyed woodworking and fishing.
He is survived by his daughters, Shirley (Alan) Raby, Atlanta, Ga., and Sharon (John) Narem, Lead; one son, David (Linda) Nelson, Golden, Colo.; a step-daughter, Wanita Gravatt, Rapid City; and a step-son, Wayne (Linda) Hildebrandt, Maywood, Neb.; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceeded in death by both wives, Thelma and Dakota; his brothers, Earl, Elmer “Curly,” Charles, Grover, Meredith and Milo; his sisters, Bessie and Louise; and his step-son, Scott Hildebrandt.
A memorial has been established for the Trinity United Methodist Church in Lead.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.