Bridget Ann Nelson

Bridget Kienow Nelson, age 58, passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy defined by kindness, generosity, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family.
A memorial service will be 11:00am, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Jeff Whillock officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Ipswich City Cemetery, Ipswich, SD. Bridget died Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center, Aberdeen.
Bridget was born on February 16, 1967, at Ipswich Hospital to Allen and Inez (Geditz) Kienow. She was the third of five children and the only daughter in her family, a role she carried with strength, warmth, and compassion.
As a child, Bridget moved with her family to Hatton, North Dakota, where she attended elementary and middle school. She later moved to Mayville–Portland, graduating from high school in 1985. During her high school years, Bridget was a standout track athlete, holding a state record for many years. She was actively involved in her school and community, participating in FFA and Student Senate. She went on to attend Mayville State University, studying business.
On January 24, 1987, Bridget married Dalen Nelson in Mayville. Shortly after, they welcomed their first child, their daughter Abby (Nelson) Brick, born March 30, 1987. Bridget worked as a car salesperson in Mayville until the family moved to Eureka, South Dakota in 1989, eventually settling in Aberdeen. In June of 1992, Bridget and Dalen welcomed their son, Cully Nelson.
Bridget was well known in the community as the owner of the vacuum store on 6th Avenue, remembered fondly for the gorilla that was always dressed up and brought smiles to those passing by. She also spent many years working for Filter Queen, traveling the country for the company and forming lifelong friendships. In 1994, her work with Filter Queen led her family to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where they lived for a year and a half while starting a new business.
Family was at the heart of everything Bridget did. She was a devoted aunt to her many nieces and nephews, always opening her home, offering support, and making sure each of them felt loved and cared for. She was also a proud and loving dog mom. Her dog Hemi was by her side for 14 years, and after his passing, she welcomed Scarlett, who remained with her until her stroke in 2023. Bridget found comfort in walking, snuggling, and spoiling her dogs with an abundance of toys.
Bridget loved camping and road-tripping with her family, a tradition she began when her children were young. Whether staying in her camper or renting cabins, she especially loved Medora, North Dakota. For many years, she set her camper up at Wylie each summer, creating a gathering place where her children and grandchildren could come together to make memories. Her grandchildren will always remember her famous camper spaghetti, along with the sandwiches, salads, and fresh fruit she always kept close at hand and the many squirt gun fights with their Mimi!
Bridget was known by many names-mom, Bird, Birdie, Abby and Cully's mom-but her favorite title was Mimi. Her grandchildren were the light of her world. Sleepovers at Mimi's were filled with magic, creativity, and fun. She loved art projects, drawing, painting, teaching board games, and taking the kids on adventures. She had a special love for Dairy Queen Dilly Bars, often surprising the kids just to spoil them.
One of Bridget's most cherished traditions was making lasagna for her son Cully, a tradition she carried on from his childhood until her stroke. She frequently delivered lasagna to both Abby's and Cully's homes-because nothing compared to mom's lasagna.
Bridget was known for her giving spirit and bright light. Throughout her life, her children watched her help others in countless ways-feeding people, offering places to stay, providing clothing, lending financial support, and stepping in wherever help was needed. Even before her stroke in 2023, Bridget was devoted to caring for her mother daily. Her warmth and generosity touched many lives.
When she wasn't camping or spending time with her grandchildren, Bridget could often be found at the Red Rooster Coffee House, meeting friends and former coworkers for coffee or lunch. A social butterfly, she treasured her friendships. Many also remember her joyful presence on TikTok, where she shared laughter, singing, and fun videos-often featuring her grandchildren. Bridget was truly young at heart.
At the end of her journey, Bridget's love of life remained strong. In the hospital, her children sang with her, and her first request was "Forever Young" from 1984. She sang every word. Her love for her children and grandchildren was fierce and unwavering, and her greatest wish was to be with them.
Bridget will forever be remembered in the songs we sing, the laughter we share, the dancing, the board games we play, and every Dilly Bar enjoyed. She fought bravely through many years of illness, beginning with an early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis at age 17. She endured countless hospital stays, treatments, and challenges, eventually becoming a familiar face at Mayo Clinic, where she was known as a medical anomaly due to her strength and resilience in facing multiple autoimmune diseases. Time and again, she persevered.
Bridget is survived by her daughter Abby (Nelson) Brick and husband Derek, and their four children Ella, Emilia, Everett, and Ero Brick, all of Aberdeen; her son Cully Nelson and his daughter Lily Nelson, of Aberdeen; her brothers John Kienow of Florida; Matt Kienow and wife Jennifer of Ellendale, North Dakota; Allen Kienow and wife Melissa of Aberdeen; and Sam Kienow and wife Vivian of Florida; along with her many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Allen and Inez Kienow, her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many dear friends.
Bridget's light will continue to shine in the lives she touched. Her love, strength, and generosity will never be forgotten.
Arrangements by Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 South Main Street.