PIERRE, SD – Virginia’s spirit departed on February 7, 2024. She was born on May 23, 1934 to Francis and Edith McGee.

Her childhood was spent in Kennebec. Losing her mother at the tender age of thirteen and being the oldest required her to have a lot of responsibilities of tending to chores and watching out for her younger siblings. Virginia and her sister LaVina would do singing performances for weddings and funerals, they also enjoyed playing the piano together for different events.

In July of 1955 Virginia met and married Larry Nelson, and to this union they had four children, Todd, Mary, Nena and Lane. They lived in Murdo for several years, then moved to Pierre continuing to raise the foursome. Virginia and Larry decided to go separate ways and Virginia moved to Watertown where she met and married Don Learn. She had several different jobs, as a clerk in a law office, to working fast food. Don and Virginia realized they were better off at being friends and dancing partners then being married so they divorced and continued to be long time friends.

She then moved back to Pierre, helping out in the grade school and for Home Health Care taking care of many patients, while developing friendships with many of them over the years.

She developed a passion for listening to local sports on a little radio and attending to sporting events and (couldn’t be bothered until the game was over). She had a daily practice of playing the piano, making sure there were baked sweets always available, crocheting hats for the cheerleaders and baby hats for the hospital auxiliary. Her daughter Nena and her son Lane would help sell all her crocheted items at craft shows.

In March of 2021 she had a bizarre form of a spinal cord stroke that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She has spent the last of her years at Avantara Rehabilitation Center in Pierre. She never let her condition keep her from enjoying playing bingo, laughing and joking with the staff with her quick witty remarks, with many nurses fondly calling her “Grandma”! Some of the residents dubbed her “Mayor of Avantara”.

Virginia was a special lady and each family member played a significant role in her life! Her family was the center of her life along with dancing, singing, playing the piano and crocheting. She will be greatly missed but always remembered!

Virginia was preceded in death by her son-in-law Glen Kane, daughter Virjean “Nena” Nelson, her Mom, Dad, and Brother.

Virginia had four children Todd (Dawn) Nelson, Mary Kane, Nena Nelson, Lane Nelson. Six grandchildren Maria, Madeleine, Melissa, Dustin, Shannon and Bobbie Jo. Five great-grandchildren William, Caroline, Justus, Ever, and Caiden Jo.

We would like to thank the Hospice staff and Avantara nursing staff for their amazing contribution of love and care.

In lieu of flowers, any donations may be sent to Avera Hospice Center.

A joint celebration of life will be on June 12, 2024, from 4pm-6pm, at Isburg Funeral Chapel.

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