Julie Nielsen, 61, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Visitation with family present will be from 5 to 7 p.m., with a Wake Service beginning at 7 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sioux Falls. Burial will take place at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Sioux Falls Humane Society or Wire Fox Rescue of the Midwest in Julie’s name.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Harlan Nielsen of Sioux Falls; son, Drew Nielsen of Sioux Falls; sisters, Mary (Chuck) Runge of Hartford and Marie (Bret) Merkle of Harrisburg; nieces, Kaylee (Chris) Wermerson of Sioux Falls, Liz (Michael) Minor of Sioux Falls, Lexi Runge of Sioux Falls, Angela (Cameron) Hayden of North Carolina, Sarah (Brandon) Miller of Harrisburg, Ellie (Alex) Davies of Harrisburg and Hannah (Shaeden) Scheidt of Harrisburg; nephews, Nick (Rylee) Runge of Sioux Falls and Josh Merkle of Harrisburg; and 13 great-nieces and -nephews. Julie is also survived by many cousins and extended family.
Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Agnes (Winckler) Pletka; grandparents; and cousins, Dan Winckler and Eric Tycz.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.