Name: Visitation for Alvin "Buzz" Nelson
Start: 2018-06-08T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-06-08T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls

Alvin "Buzz" Nelson

Sioux Falls, SD - Alvin "Buzz" Norman Nelson passed away June 5, 2018, after a long battle with Parkinson's. Alvin was born on September 1, 1929 to Edith and Arndt Nelson in Sioux Falls. He was baptized at Benton Lutheran Church, Crooks SD on October 27, 1929.

He married Lois Ann McGuire at Little Flower Church on the 25th of June 1956. He affectionately called Lois his bride until his last day. They enjoyed many years of dancing together.

Buzz served in the Air Force and was honorably discharged. Upon return home he started Arndt's Wrecking with his father. It became one of the country's largest auto recyclers. Buzz helped to establish a national association for the used auto parts industry and he drafted the first employee relations guide. It was distributed by the national association until 1990.

Buzz began acquiring the land that has become Blood Run in 1982. He hosted Governor's: Janklow, Mickelson, Rounds, and Duugaard as well as Senator Johnson in his effort to secure the land for the benefit of all South Dakotan's. During his campaign he worked with the Director of Game Fish and Parks, Doug Hofer, as Blood Run became a National Landmark and as Good Earth became a SD State park. Native Americans have been involved in the development of the visitor's center that honors the tribal ancestors of the Dakota territory.

Buzz had a passion for nature and enjoyed singing in the church choir and barbershop quartet.

Grateful for having shared his life are his loving bride of 61 years, Lois; his children, Michelle Bonitto, (Kevin Kargal), Mike Nelson (Julie), Jill Nelson (Mark Johnson), Ann Flemmer (Gary), and Linn Nelson; as well as numerous grandchildren, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; his sister, Donna Woolsey.

Buzz was proceeded in death by his parents and sisters, Betty Wilde and Darlene Busse.

The visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Friday, June 8 from 4-6 pm. The funeral will be held at Dow Rummel Village Chapel on Saturday, June 9 at 10 am.

www.heritagesfsd.com

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Published by Argus Leader from Jun. 7 to Jun. 8, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Alvin Nelson

Sponsored by Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls.

6 Entries

Shannon Nordstrom

June 8, 2018

Our condolences from our family and team at Nordstroms Automotive. Buzz was a true innovator and trailblazer. Buzz and his family and team took what most called junkyards and organized a Buisness model that was followed by many. Buzz brought computerised management systems and racking systems to the midwest that were seldom seen even in larger cities. My parents always enjoyed working with buzz while forming and working through issues with the South Dakota Motor Vehicle Recyclers Association. Buzz brought wisdom and an amazing cander to the group. My Mom told me that when I was a child I cried when I had to go kindergarten because I could not go to Arndts with my Dad to get parts and look at wrecked pick ups. Our family will forever respect you and your family. May Gods sufficient Grace comfort your family while you celebrate this great life and mourne his loss. PTLA.

Priscilla Jurkovich

June 8, 2018

Buzz left a wonderful legacy for South Dakota. His children and life dreams will carry on in his memory.

Dick & Sue Brown

June 7, 2018

A wonderful and caring friend who lived a joyous charitable life to be celebrated. Buzz and Lois' vision, stewardship and thoughtful preservation of the historic land and culture of Good Earth State Park is a family legacy sharing with the people of South Dakota and our guests for good for ever. He and his family enabled the dream of so many to become a reality. Thanks Buzz. Dick and Sue Brown

Michael Nelson

June 6, 2018

I am proud to be Buzz's loving son and lifelong business partner. The family knows that Buzz touched many lives through the choirs, the swing dancing, the business associations, and from a lifetime spent living in the Sioux Falls/Brandon community. It would have been a daunting task to reach each of you individually following his death. Know that you are invited, treasured, and welcomed to participate in whatever way you feel comfortable. May God bless you and yours. in Christ, Mike

June 6, 2018

I am sorry for your loss. I am a cousin on the Nelson side of the family. Remember the great Love he had for his bride.The great pride he had in his family and how kind he was to everyone.Godspeed Buzzy!

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