Randy G. Nelson, age 59, of Huron, died Saturday, October 17, 2015, at the Huron Regional Medical Center. His funeral service was held at 10 AM, Saturday, October 24th at the Huron Christian Church with Rev. Al Wager, officiating. Burial was in the Petrodie Cemetery, rural Carpenter.
Randy George Nelson was born August 19, 1956, to Carrol Edward and Ruth (Walker) Gamber Nelson at Huron. Randy grew up in Huron and graduated from Huron High School. He attended the University of South Dakota and completed the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies in order to become a Certified Addiction Counselor. He later attended Huron University and also received a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management.
On February 16, 1986, Randy married Belinda Knapp at Spencer, Iowa. They made their home in Huron.From 1986 to 1996 Randy worked at Our Home Rediscovery as a Child Care Coordinator.In 1996, Randy started working at Community Counseling Service as an Addiction Therapist until 2013. Randy then worked for the Beadle County Sherriff's Office as a Correctional Officer before returning to Community Counseling Service in 2014. Randy continued his passion for helping others as an Intensive Outpatient Treatment and Drug Court addiction therapist.
For almost 30 years, Randy George was Belinda's soul mate, best friend, and partner at both home and work.Belinda attributes her own successes to "George's" unconditional love and support. Randy loved his family very much. He would frequently say to each and every one of them, "You know what I like about you? Everything!" "If I could line up all the boys/girls in the world do you know which one I would pick? You!" "I love you all the way around to my back." Randy was a sentimental soul and he kept his most cherished possessions hidden away in an old, metal coffee can.His family considers it a privilege to safeguard the many treasures that Randy collected throughout the years.
Randy was very active in his children's activities: hockey, track, basketball, and volleyball. Most recently Randy began following his grandson's hockey and football activities. He was also an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.After every season Randy would say, "Next year. Next year we'll win the Super Bowl." Randy was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous and on September 23, 2015, Randy was recognized for his 30 years of sobriety. Randy had committed his professional and personal life to helping others; One Day at a Time.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Jack (Daisy) Gamber, Rodney Gamber, and Gary Gamber; his father-in-law, Larry Knapp; and one brother-in-law, Mert Gilbert.
Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Belinda of Huron; one son, Alex Nelson of Peotone, Illinois; one daughter, Ruth (Curtis) Bales of Huron; three grandsons, Jack Westen, Jace Walker, and Jett William Bales; nine siblings, Joan Gilbert of Lakewood, Colorado, Charles Gamber of Huron, William "Bill" Gamber of Huron, James (Kay) Gamber of Huron, David (Charlotte) Gamber of Emery, Howard Gamber of Huron, June (Dale) Metter of Huron, Royal (Arlyce) Gamber of Sparks, Nevada, and Jinx (Steve) Richards of Rapid City; his mother-in-law, Nancy (Darrel) Heckathorn of Spencer, Iowa; one brother-in-law, Jeff Knapp of Arnolds Park, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Dena Knapp of Milford, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.