Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Nehl, age 79, of Lemmon, SD, formerly of Watauga, SD, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2020 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Watauga, SD.  Fr. Dan Juelfs will officiate with burial in the Watauga Cemetery.

Visitation for Mary will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon, SD.

Mary passed away on Friday, December 27, 2019 at the Five Counties Nursing Home in Lemmon, SD.

Mary Alice Jahner was born on May 26, 1940.  She was the youngest of ten children born and raised in Lemmon, SD by her parents Ralph and Eleanor Jahner.  The Jahner children spent many hours playing music and singing.  Mary grew up loving music and developed an ear for it at a very young age. She continued to share her talent with others throughout her lifetime.

Mary met her husband Burt Nehl in 1962 and after a short time they were married.  Ten months later their first child, Nancy was born.  Nita, Kim, Karen and Darren quickly followed.  Mary was a devoted mother who busied herself with raising her children.  She loved entertaining and made large amounts of food on Sundays because it was likely neighbors or relatives would drop in to play cards and would be encouraged to stay for supper.  There was always plenty to share.  Mary was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.  She shared her ear for music as the organist as well as leading a high school church choir for years.  She also served on the altar society and as a CCD teacher..  She had a strong love the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary.

After raising her family Mary decided to work outside the home and began driving to Lemmon where she was employed by Wheeler Manufacturing.  She made many close friends through work.  Eventually Burt and Mary decided to leave the ranch and move to an apartment in Lemmon. Playing cards and visiting friends continued to be a big part of their lives.  Having 19 grandchildren meant there was always a school activity, birthday party or other event to attend.  Mary adored her grandchildren/great grandchildren and loved spending time with them.

In the fall of 2014, they made another transition and settled into FCNH.  Once again Mary was able to share her love for music, playing accordion on Fridays for "Sing Along" and keyboard on Mondays for "Music with Mary".  Even though she began to suffer from Alzheimers she never lost her musical ability. She prided herself on being the president of her resident family and was a smiling face greeting anyone who moved in.  She enjoyed all guests that came into the nursing home, especially children.  She considered FCNH her home and the staff and residents her family.

Despite her failing health, Mary had a positive attitude and silly disposition even in the toughest times.  She was always happy and grateful for help from others even though she'd often say, "I can do it myself". She quoted the words of the serenity prayer when troubled and vowed to accept the things she couldn't change as well as to have the courage to trust God through hardships.  She touched many lives and her memory will be forever treasured.

Grateful for sharing her life are; daughters Nancy (Brad) Olson of McIntosh, SD, Nita (Kent) Weikum of Dickinson, ND, Kim (Bob) Nutsch of Mandan, ND, Karen (Alan) Voller of Bison, SD, daughter-in-law Ronda Nehl of Timber Lake, SD, 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband Burt Nehl, a son Darren Nehl and great grandson Colter Williams.