Dr. Julius John Joseph Nelson was born in Hopkins, MN on May 5, 1923 to Rinold and Wilhelmina (Mielke) Nelson. He passed away at his home on April 3, 2010 at the age of 86 years and 11 months, surrounded by his family.
Julius grew up in Hopkins and graduated from High School in 1941. He served in the Army Air Force in the South Pacific during World War II where he served as a Motor Pool Sergeant, and suffered a nearly-fatal combat wound. Following his time of Service, he worked as a machinist, mechanic, and truck driver, and later graduated from the N.W. College of Chiropractic in Minneapolis, MN in 1952.
He married the love of his life, Christine Rozeboom on February 25, 1955. To this union, 5 children were born. Doc was a Chiropractor in Burke for more than 45 years. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, gun and coin collector, and will be fondly remembered wearing his cowboy hats, bolo ties and cowboy boots. Other interests included going to auctions with Chris, working in his shop on his metal lathe and milling machine, gunsmithing, and reading- especially old western novels.
Survivors include his loving and loyal wife of 55 years, Christine, and his five children: Julene (Jim) Nardini of Sioux Falls, Eric (Marlis) Nelson of Burke, Ivan (Nancy) Nelson of Burke, Chandra (Mark) Isackson of Sioux Falls, and Lael (Barbie) Nelson of Olathe, KS. Also left to mourn him are his 7 grandchildren: Beth Ann (Shane) Lechtenberg of Butte, NE, Dr. Derek Julius Nelson of Rapid City, Ty Joseph Smith of Sioux Falls, Justin Jul Nelson of Winner, Spc. Landon John Nelson of Camp Red Cloud in South Korea, and Jaden Jewel and Gillian Christine Nelson of Olathe, KS; 2 great-grandchildren Lanie Ann and Jaylee Justine Lechtenberg of Butte, NE, his brother Louis (Elly) Nelson of Burnsville, MN, sister-in-law Gladys Nelson of Minneapolis, MN, and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Preceding him in death are his beloved grandson Thor, his parents, his brother Jorgen, an infant sister Katherine, and a host of friends and fellow soldiers.
Doc was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Burke VFW, the Burke American Legion, and the NRA.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the Civic Center in Burke. Burial will be on Wednesday April 7, 2010 at 2:00 PM MDT / 3:00 PM CDT in the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.