Allen Lee Nelson, 83, of Volga, died Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, at home under hospice care.  

Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Free Lutheran Church of Arlington.  Burial is in West Sinai Lutheran Cemetery at Sinai.  Visitation is 5-7 p.m. today at Eidsness Funeral Chapel in Volga.  

Allen was born to Detleph and Ella (Rensvold) Nelson on April 7, 1934, in Arlington. He was baptized and confirmed at Sinai Lutheran Church. Allen graduated from Sinai High School in 1952, and enlisted in the United States Army on Dec. 6, 1954. He faithfully served his country until his honorable discharge on Dec. 5, 1956.  On July 15, 1959, Allen married Beverly Jeane Wilts at the Germantown Presbyterian Church in rural Chancellor.  Allen farmed near Sinai for the next 46 years. Upon retirement, Allen and Beverly traveled in a fifth wheel all across the United States for the next nine years. 

Allen served as an usher and trustee at the Sinai Lutheran Church.  In 1987, he and Bev became charter members of Calvary Free Lutheran Church at Arlington, serving terms on the church council and being active in Bible Study and men’s groups. Allen was a member of the American Legion, Prairie Wanderers Volkssport Club, Hart Ranch Camping Resort Club, South Dakota Soybean Processors, and the Sioux Valley Electric “Minute Man.” 

Survivors include his wife, Beverly of Volga; children, Donna (Rich) Nelson Prusha of Yankton, Marla (Chad) Brands, and Linda (Mark) Davenport both of Texas; 10 grandchildren and  seven great-grandchildren. 

Allen was preceded in death by his son, Roger Allen in 1985; brothers, Ralph in infancy, Wendell in 2000, Ray in 2006, Orville in 2016; and sister, Mavis Royer in 2014.