Palmer “Swede” Nebben passed away peacefully on July 2, 2023 at the Dougherty Hospice House at the age of 104.
Swede was born April 25, 1919 on his family’s homestead near Colman, SD to John and Anna (Haugen) Nebben. He attended Gale Ridge Country School. After school, he helped out on his family’s farm.
In July of 1942, Swede was drafted into the service and joined the Air Force. He served until he was honorably discharged in February of 1946. On September 23, 1944, Swede was united in marriage to Ruth Michel at St. Joseph the Workman Catholic Church in Huntimer, SD. They farmed south of Lone Tree for 50 years. In June of 2000, they moved to Colman, SD. After sharing nearly 68 years of marriage, Ruth passed away in 2013. Swede continued to live in Colman until June of 2019 when he moved to StoneyBrook Suites in Sioux Falls.
Swede was a charter member of the Colman golf course where he golfed until he was the age of 97. He was a member of the George Fitzgerald Legion in Dell Rapids. Additionally, he enjoyed the company of family and friends, especially playing cards and marbles. He will be remembered by his family & friends for his wit and exceptional sense of humor which often showed itself in love when he poked fun of a golf shot or card play, including his own. A perspective formed by growing up during the Great Depression and Dirty 30s, Swede never complained and always showed his gratitude to those around him. It was his natural and playful kindness that compelled you to want to introduce everyone you knew so they too, could enjoy this man.
He is survived by his daughter: Marlene Wussow of Sioux Falls; his son: Larry (Lois) of Wentworth, SD; grandchildren: Angie Schlenker (Gary), Chris Nebben, Amy Morrison (Adam), Stacey Nelson (Erik), and Zach Nebben (Katie); great grandchildren: Sami Schlenker, Natalie Nebben, Jakob and Joey Morrison; sisters: Hilda Johnson and Rosetta Croon, both of Dell Rapids, and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, two brothers Art and Olaf, four sisters, Annette Steinborn, Laura Knudson, Luella Knudson, and Dorothy Plummer and son-in-law, Daryl Wussow.
The family wants to thank the StoneyBrook Suites staff for their loving care of Swede.
The Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Peter Catholic Church in Colman, SD on July 7, 2023.