Nelva E. Louder

Nelva E. Louder, 89, of Rapid City, S.D., died Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City.

Visitation will be from 5:00 -7:00 p.m.  with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.  on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.

Nelva was born in Pierre, South Dakota on April 14, 1932 to Harold and Anna (Marshall) Louder, 2nd oldest of 6 children. His mom passed away of cancer when he was only 13. He grew up in the Draper area and graduated from Draper high school in 1950.

Then he hit the road with friend Chuck Robertson to work on construction which took him to many places all over South Dakota. He also worked on farms for his uncle “Smokey” Louder and others.

At that time he met the love of his life Janet Hulce, but then was called to serve in the US Army from 1952-54 in the Korean War as a Sergeant 1st class. He served with his good buddy Eldon Magnuson and they were able to spend Christmas together.

He married Janet on June 3, 1955 and that summer they ran the little café on the hill in Draper and Nelva worked for Chuck in the station. Their first home was just a bedroom in the back of the café. They then moved to the country and went into farming and ranching, moving back into town in 1960.

Together they had 4 children. Victoria, Brian, Jay and Cara. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He was a member of the Draper UMC, served on the church, cemetery and school boards. Was a member of the Barrett Dowling legion post #301 and a member of the volunteer fire department.

He enjoyed playing cards and visiting with good friends and going to all the area events. He also really liked reading and woodworking. And teasing his grandchildren and great grandchildren!

In early 2016 they moved to Rapid City due to Nel’s health issues and then eventually to St. Martins/Good Sam Serenity home with Janet nearby in the adjoining Heritage apartments.

Nelva peacefully passed away with Janet and all of his children by his side at Monument health hospital May 1st, as the sunrise was shining through his window.

Grateful for sharing his life is his wife of almost 66 years, and his children, Vicki (John) Hagemann, Brian (Karen) Louder, Jay Louder and Cara (Don) Pearson. 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 6 step siblings, Merle, Kim, Grant, Jean, Wanda and Sandra, sister-in-law Linda Louder, brother-in-law Marvin Buxcel, and several nieces and nephews.

Nelva will be greeted in heaven by his parents, his stepmother Lyda, brother Dwight and his wife Dorothy, brother Warren, sister Deanna and husband Larry and their son Harvey, sister Joy and husband Carl, sister Elsa, stepsister Sharon, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Gladys Hulce and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Gerry and Dick Lopour.

Arrangements are with Kirk Funeral Home of Rapid City. www.kirkfuneralhome.com.