Scott was born and raised in Harlan, Iowa – son of Verne and Ilene Nelson. He graduated from Harlan Community High School and later attended Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa. He earned his Mortuary Science Degree and became a licensed funeral director.
Scott worked at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa and then later at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. During that time as funeral director, he also assisted families select monuments to memorialize their loved ones. In 2016, Scott moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to pursue a career as a Funeral Service Consultant with Matthew Aurora Funeral Solutions. He finds his time assisting funeral homes personally rewarding, but Scott’s passion of helping families was never silenced. In October of 2022, Scott and his wife acquired Luken Memorials in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and has since been renamed to Nelson Memorials.
He and his wife Liz (Kappenman) Nelson live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with their daughter, Evelyn Rose and Labradoodle, Lou. Scott and Liz are both excited to be assisting families in the Sioux Falls area and continuing the Luken Family Legacy at Nelson Memorials.
Liz was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota – daughter of Jay and Caryn Kappenman. She graduated from O’Gorman High School and later attended Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois where she earned her Bachelors of Nursing. She then obtained her Masters in Nursing at South Dakota State University.
Liz currently works at the Sanford Center for Digestive Health as a Nurse Practitioner. In October of 2022, Liz and her husband acquired Luken Memorials in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and has since renamed it Nelson Memorials. When she can find the time between being a mom and working at the hospital, Liz enjoys helping out at Nelson Memorials to ensure families receive the care and quality they deserve.
She and her husband Scott Nelson live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with their daughter, Evelyn Rose and Labradoodle, Lou. Liz and Scott are both excited to be assisting families in the Sioux Falls area!
Born in Rockford, IL, Mark Anderson’s journey has been marked by dedication and diverse experiences. A proud alumnus of both the University of lowa and Northern Illinois University, Mark spent an impressive 26 years navigating the options and commodities market in Chicago. His expertise and commitment to the field led him to a rewarding 10-year tenure with Wells Fargo, culminating in his retirement in 2020.
In 2010, Mark and his wife Kathy, a Sioux Falls native, relocated to her hometown. Embracing his new community, Mark became an active member of the culinary unit of the El Riad Shrine. Outside of his professional and community engagements, Mark enjoys spending his time on the golf course and indulging his passion for cooking.
In the fall of 2023, Mark brought his extensive experience and skills to Nelson Memorials, marking a new chapter in his diverse and accomplished career.
Luken Memorials was a pillar of support for Sioux Falls families since the 1960s at its cherished 41st/Norton location. With decades of service, they became synonymous with their craftsmanship and compassionate care. In 2017, they elevated their legacy by building a stunning new building on that same corner.
Throughout the years, Luken Memorials forged deep connections with countless families, helping them honor their loved ones with meaningful memorials.
However, in 2022, a new chapter began as Scott and Elizabeth Nelson acquired Luken Memorials of Sioux Falls. At Nelson Memorials, we vow to uphold the cherished legacy of Luken Memorials. With deep-rooted values and a commitment to excellence, we’ll continue crafting timeless memorials that honor the lives of loved ones with utmost care and compassion. Each headstone will be a testament to our enduring dedication to craftsmanship and personalized service. Through generations to come, Nelson Memorials will remain a beacon of comfort and support for families seeking solace in their time of remembrance.
