RAPID CITY- Nels Jensen, 86, died Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Nels was born April 6, 1927 at Milford, IA to Nels and Emma (Miller) Jensen, Sr. He attended public school in Milford and at Okaboji Consolidated School. In 1943, at the age of 16, Nels enlisted in the United States Navy. On September 13, 1946, Nels was honorably discharged as the rank of Seaman Second Class. After returning home, Nels met and married Hazel Sebby. After their marriage, the couple moved to Spencer, IA and then made their home in Rapid City. To this union, two daughters were born, Joyce and Colleen. Nels was a Life Member of the American Legion Post 22 and the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 in Rapid City. He served in numerous offices in the American Legion and 40 et 8 Locale and Grande du South Dakota including Commander of the American Legion Post 22, Chef de Gare of Voiture 658, Grand Chef de Gare du South Dakota and National Lampiste. On September 26, 1992, Nels was elected and installed as National Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer of the La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux's Annual Promenade Nationale at Louisville, Kentucky. This membership in the 40 et 8 is bestowed upon selected Legionnaires in recognition of their service work in the American Legion. Nels worked in the sheet metal industry for many years during his life. He was a handyman who was at his happiest when he had many projects going. He will be remembered for being a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Nels was preceded in death by his parents; wife Hazel in 1981; two brothers and one sister. He is survived by two daughters: Joyce (Ron) Durfey, Rapid City; Colleen (Bob) Brownrigg, Rapid City; close family friend who was like a daughter, Traci Stekl, Calgary, Alberta; four grandchildren: Amy, Matt, Jessica, and Erica; and four great grandchildren: Ethan, Audrey, Aksel, and Malin. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with a Prayer Service starting at 4:30 p.m. Graveside Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Black Hills National Cemetery with Chaplain (Ret.) Herb B. Cleveland officiating with full military honors rendered by the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the South Dakota Army National Guard. A procession will leave Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home at 9:45 a.m. to go to the Cemetery.