Nels L. Dyrdahl, 76, of Rapid City, died Thursday, January 28, 2010 peacefully at home.

He was born February 27, 1933 in Oldham to Albert and Nellie (Fuglsby) Dyrdahl, on the family homestead.

He attended Hill Grade School and graduated from Oldham High School in 1951. He attended Augustana College before entering the United States Air Force in 1953. Nels served from 1953 until 1956 at Parks AFB, California, Keesler AFB, Missouri, Chanute, AFB, IL., Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah and Big Delta AFB, AK.

On August 6, 1966, he married Joan A. Neuharth in Wessington Springs. They lived in Aberdeen from 1966 until 1983 when they moved to Rapid City. They have one daughter, Pamela.

He gained training while in the US Air Force in weather observation. In 1957 he became a meteorological technician with the National Weather Service; working in Huron, Aberdeen and Rapid City. Nels retired in 1989.

He enjoyed beekeeping and had about 500 hives in western South Dakota. He was also a member of the United Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Joan, Rapid City, his daughter; Pam VanCuren, and her husband Jeff, Stafford, VA., grandson, Alex, Stafford, VA., his brother; Arnold Dyrdahl, Madison, SD, his sister; Marie Debenport, Irmo, SC., two brothers in law, three sisters in law and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Irene Fulton and her husband Ernie, a brother in law, Gene Debenport and father in law and mother in law; Helmuth and Dorothy Neuharth.

Memorials may be sent to the family.

Interment was at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military Honors.

Friends may sign his online guest register and offer condolences at

serenityspringsfuneralchapel.com.

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