MURDO, SD – Virjean “Nena” Ann Nelson’s spirit departed January 19, 2024. Nena was born to Larry and Virginia (McGee) Nelson June 12, 1958. She was the third child of four siblings.

Virjean was dubbed “Nena” because her older brother Todd could not pronounce Virjean, hence her name became “Nena.”

Nena grew up in the town of Murdo, SD, where her family had horses. She enjoyed riding out in the open prairie with her siblings. Some of her fondest memories were spent at the family cabin in the black hills with her siblings, parents and grandparents exploring the beautiful black hills while hiking, fishing and riding bikes down to the neighborhood grocery store.

Later the family moved to Pierre, and her passion for horse riding continued, as she loved the freedom of the open prairie.

During high school, she excelled at art and drafting, she was an aggressive ball player on the girls’ basketball team, and an excellent trombone player, earning her first chair in band.

Upon graduation, Nena attended Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD, and then the Univeristy of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD.

After college life Nena chose to explore the country by moving to California, where she worked in the banking industry. During this time, she had her first child, her son Shannon Nelson. She moved back to South Dakota, making her home in Rapid City, then moved to Watertown, SD, where she met her husband, Randy Hirman, and gave birth to their daughter, Bobbie Jo Hirman. During her time in Watertown Nena earned her CAD degree. After divorcing, Nena and her children moved to Pierre, where she was employed with the South Dakota Department of Transportation, putting her CAD degree to use.

Once retired, Nena was able to spend valuable time with her family and animals, this also gave her time to pursue her passion for gardening, crocheting, repairing and transforming furniture.

Nena and her family were the first recipients of Pierre’s Habitat for Humanity’s housing program, a home she appreciated. Having a home gave her the opportunity to pursue her passions in life!

Nena’s family and friends will always remember her spirited, passionate heart.

Nena is survived by her children Shannon Nelson and Bobbie Jo Hirman, her grandchildren Ever Nelson and Caiden Jo Nelson, all of Pierre, her mother Virginia Nelson Learn (passed shorty after in February 2024), her father Larry (Pat) Nelson, Rapid City, brothers Lane Nelson, Pierre, and Todd (Dawn) Nelson, Sioux Fall, and sister Mary Kane, Rapid City and her nieces and nephews. Nena was preceded in death by her brother-in-law Glen Kane, Rapid City, and her grandparents.

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

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