RAPID CITY | June Grace Nielsen, 98, went Home to our Lord and Savior April 23, 2015, with her family by her side in Rapid City, SD. She was born in Woonsocket, SD, June 3rd, 1916. Losing her parents at a young age, she and her sister Meg grew up with an aunt and uncle in Mitchell, SD. In the early 30's, she spent many nights dancing the night away to Lawrence Welk at the Dreamland Ballroom. In 1936, she married her love, Ivin Nielsen. They moved to Cherokee, IA, to start a family. She continued her love of dance frequenting the Cobblestone Ballroom, which was on the circuit of famous bands like Duke Ellington and Harry James, among others. The family spent many years in Cherokee; however, they moved to Michigan during the war, where she worked at the Packard Plant making parts for the B-29 bomber. After the war, they returned to Iowa before finally settling down in Rapid City, SD, in 1957. June and Ivin started, owned, and operated The Big Thunder Gold Mine and The Rushmore Mountain Taffy Shop in Keystone. They retired in 1977 and spent many years traveling to California as snow birds, square dancing and enjoying happy hours. Her later years were spent with family and grandchildren - and many trips with her sister and daughter to Deadwood. She was an extremely dedicated mother, who provided her children with a marvelous childhood and many fond memories. Once her children were grown, their relationships remained very strong, with much love and laughter. June was very important to her grandchildren, as well. Whether it was fishing, playing games, crafting, or just talking, they all shared many smiles. Among all who knew her, she will be deeply missed. Preceding her in death was her husband Ivin L. Nielsen, and her two brothers and two sisters. Also, her granddaughter, Lynn S. Oliver (August 2013). June's surviving relatives are Fred L. Nielsen, son, Rapid City, SD, and his children: Jennifer Nielsen (Greg Parker), Cardiff, CA; Nancy Nielsen McGrath (Danny), Portland, OR; and Jon Nielsen, USA; Vicki Nielsen Thomas, daughter, Grants Pass, OR, and her children: Jeri Jean Boe (Dr. Steve), Bend, OR; Sandi Ross (Mark), Kona, Hawaii; Connie Filipek (Todd), Grants Pass, OR; Scott Booth (Shannon), Arvada, CO; 10 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, April 27, at Osheim and Schmidt Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Mountain View Cemetery, with Rev. Michel Mulloy officiating.