Memorial Headstones

Nelson Memorials can help you with the entire process of planning, designing and installing your loved ones memorial headstone.

A memorial headstone is a marker, typically made of stone, that is placed at a gravesite to commemorate the life of a deceased loved one. It often displays the person’s name, birth and death dates, and sometimes a short message, symbol, or epitaph that reflects their personality or legacy.

Headstones come in various shapes, sizes, and materials—commonly granite, marble, or bronze—and can be customized to reflect religious beliefs, cultural traditions, or personal preferences.

Why Memorial Headstones Are Important

Memorial headstones hold deep emotional and cultural significance. They serve several key purposes:

  • Commemoration: They honor and preserve the memory of a loved one for generations.
  • Identification: They mark the resting place of the deceased, providing a point of reference for family, friends, and future generations.
  • Legacy: A headstone often tells a brief story or provides a meaningful quote that reflects the person’s values or impact on the world.
  • Healing: Visiting a headstone can provide comfort and a tangible place to grieve, reflect, and feel connected.

In many cultures, memorials are also an important part of religious rituals and remembrance traditions.

How to Choose the Right Memorial Headstone

Choosing a headstone can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the right one:

1. Cemetery Regulations

Start by checking the rules of the cemetery. Some cemeteries have restrictions on headstone size, materials, or design. Knowing these guidelines will help you narrow your options.

2. Material

Granite is the most popular choice due to its durability and variety of color options. Marble offers a classic, elegant look but is more prone to weathering over time. Bronze is often used for plaques and is low-maintenance.

3. Design and Style

Headstones can range from simple flat markers to upright monuments or custom shapes. Consider whether you’d like an engraved photo, religious symbols, or personalized carvings. Think about what would best reflect your loved one’s personality.

4. Budget

Costs vary based on size, material, customization, and installation. Set a budget and ask for a detailed quote before making a decision. Remember that a headstone is a lasting tribute—it’s worth taking the time to get it right.

5. Inscription

The wording on a headstone is deeply personal. Common elements include:

  • Full name
  • Birth and death dates
  • A heartfelt message or quote
  • Religious or symbolic imagery

Make sure the inscription is clear, meaningful, and enduring.

A memorial headstone is more than just a marker—it’s a tribute to a life lived and a legacy left behind. Taking the time to choose the right one ensures that your loved one is remembered in a way that is respectful, meaningful, and enduring.

If you’re navigating this decision and need guidance, many memorial providers offer consultations to help you through the process with care and compassion.

Our Testimonials

We are Dedicated to Providing Compassionate Support to Families

Nelson Memorials did an amazing job working with me to get my stone designed and placed. They went above and beyond to get our stone placed in time for a special event. I highly recommend using them for your needs. I am very pleased with how my husband and my memorial stone turned out.
If you are looking for any information on a monument give Scott a call. He will take the time to listen to what you want and give you some amazing options. He is extremely versatile. With a background in funeral homes and caskets, Scott is not one of these people who just want to sell you a monument. Scott cares about being there for people during a difficult time and will help you create a memorial that will last generations to come!
My experience with this business was very positive and I have shared with friends and even people in my grief group. Picking out a stone after losing a spouse was an emotional experience. You don’t want to be pushed during this fragile time. Scott was helpful and knew what stone I was looking for so kept that in mind until he found what I wanted. I did a lot of shopping around and you can’t beat the price for what I got. I have included only the back of the stone for privacy reasons.
Thank you Scott for all your help!
Scott was so kind & caring to us during the most heartbreaking & unexpected time choosing a memorial for our mother and in the end we were able to walk away with a beautiful memorial. Scott is knowledgeable, accommodating, personable and worked with us, rather than pushing us to a decision and was willing to answer any questions I had. We highly recommend Scott & Nelson Memorials to anyone who may need their services!!!
The visit to Nelson Memorials Showroom was exceptional; not a high pressure sales pitch nor a disinterested representative. Scott is an excellent listener , so we had a good conversation getting to know the family history as well as our budget and hopes for the cemetery memorial to be a gift to future generations. My photograph from Norway was combined with Scott’s’ creativity to produce a beautiful rendering of the Memorial. It was perfect! So I chose to go ahead right away , feeling good about the decision and the entire process leading up to it. With wonderful craftsmanship by the staff carvers, our family’s Memorial is already in its proper place, glistening in the sun!
The experience with Scott and the Nelson Memorial was heart warming yet very professional I would recommend them for any monument needs. 5 Star in my book.
We received exceptional service from Scott. Our mothers memory will be honored with this memorial. Thank you
Scott was so wonderful to work with. He made a truly sad time in our lives less so, and we were able to walk away with a beautiful marker for our loved one. Scott will be our go-to for any future needs we may have, as he is personable, down to earth, and worked with us, rather than pushing us to a decision. I’ll cherish visiting and seeing the marker for the rest of my life.
Scott was so easy to work with and was patient with all of our questions. He truly made us feel so comfortable. We feel more confident picking out our future monument needs.
Thank you, Scott, for being so kind to me during this tough decision-making time. Scott is knowledgeable, accommodating, and was willing to answer any questions I had. I highly recommend Nelson Memorials to anyone who may need their services!!!
My husband and I were extremely pleased with Nelson Monument. The owner Chad, was a pleasure to work with he took the time to show us the different stones and is detailed minded. Our stone has been placed in a timely manner and we are very, very pleased with how it turned out.

Feel the heart warming difference with Nelson Memorials.

We want to learn more about you and your loved one. Contact us to learn more.

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605.271.0334

3213 S Norton Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Our Hours

Monday – Friday
9am – 5pm

Evenings & Weekends by appointment

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Products We Offer

Memorial Headstones

Cemetery Monuments

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