Juanita “Nita” Jean Nelson

October 26, 1950 ~ June 24, 2024

Juanita “Nita” J. Nelson, 73, Brandon, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 24, 2024, surrounded by family, after succumbing to cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be 4-6pm, Friday, July 26, 2024, with a short service at 5:30pm, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD.

Juanita “Nita” Jean Nelson was born to Alvin and Jenny (Johnson) Kruse, on October 26, 1950, one of six children.  She grew up in Maynard, MN, and after graduating high school in 1968. Nita moved to Minneapolis, MN, where she attended school for dental hygiene. She met her husband Randy Kentzelman, and they were married on July 22, 1978. Nita and Randy moved to Dallas, TX, where they had their son, Josh, and daughter, Amber. Nita eventually moved back to Minnesota to be closer to her parents but settled in Sioux Falls, SD, in 1994. She worked at Sioux Valley Hospital and finished out her working years at Wells Fargo, where she made many great friends along the way.

Nita lived her life to the fullest and always made everyone feel welcome. Her faith never faltered during her journey with cancer and she was well known as everyone’s prayer warrior. She enjoyed baking, spending time with her family and friends, watching the Minnesota Vikings play football, dancing, and traveling. She was so proud of her children and grandson and claimed bragging rights to all of their accomplishments. While our hearts mourn the loss, we take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering.

Nita is survived by her children, Josh, and Amber (Matt); and her grandson, Mason; sisters, Lavonne “Pug” (Lloyd) Lind, and Elaine Mueller; her brothers, Ron (Dana) Kruse, Bob (Diane) Kruse, and Gary (Paula) Kruse; and many nieces and nephews.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Jenny Kruse.