Dorothy Iola Hoffman Nelsen passed away February 13, 2018 at the age of 94. Born in Crookston, Nebraska, she was raised by John and Myra Hoffman following her mother's death when she was an infant.  Dorothy attended elementary and secondary school in Crookston. Upon graduation, she attended Chadron State College and spent a short time as a schoolteacher before moving to New Orleans. There, she contributed to the war effort during World War II. At the war's close, she relocated to Omaha where she met and married the love of her life Myron Nelsen. When Myron was recalled for the Korean Conflict, the couple moved to Tinker Air Force Base at Oklahoma City where they welcomed their first child, Bruce. The couple then moved to Valentine after Myron's commitment to the Army Air Corps ended where their family expanded to welcome Dave; here they remained to raise their family and operate Nelsen Furniture store. Community-minded, she was part of the Ladies' Hospital Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. They enjoyed fishing, golfing, dancing, playing bridge, spending time with their grandchildren, and attending and serving at the Valentine United Methodist Church of which she was a member for 78 years. She is preceded in death by her husband, Myron; her birth parents, Walter and Mabel; adopted parents John and Myra ; step mother Eva;  siblings Cecil, Walter Laverne, Adelia, Dwayne, Elaine, and Ada; and half-brothers and -sisters Garnet, Alice, Martha, Clarence, and Ann. She is survived by her sons Bruce Nelsen of Milwaukee and Dave Nelsen of Valentine; half-brothers and sisters Arnie, Marylou, Janis, Joan, and Willy; as well as her grandchildren Bethany (Rourke) Springer, Ben (Tiffany) Nelsen, and Adrianne (Sam) Bailey and great-grandchildren Elliana, Sean, Grant, Dane, Myra, Colin, and Lilly.  Burial was held at Mount Hope Cemetery on Saturday, February 17 ^th at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Valentine United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 16 at 2:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines.