Nelvina DeKam was born on January 3, 1930 to John P. and Margaret (Schelhaas) DeKam in Pipestone County, Minnesota. She was baptized and made profession of faith at First Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton, Minnesota. She was married to Arnold N. DeKam on December 14, 1950 by Reverend Siebert Kramer, also at the First Christian Reformed Church, Edgerton. She lived her entire life in the Edgerton area. She passed away on Friday, October 14, 2016 at home, surrounded by family members. Nelvina was 86 years and 9 months old.

Surviving are her 6 children, Arlyn and Donna DeKam of Leota, Minnesota, Larry and DeAnne DeKam of Lodi, California, Verlyn and Kathy DeKam of Luverne, Minnesota, Bryan and Koni DeKam of Edgerton, Marla and Brad Pranger of Hartsel, Colorado, and Sherwin and Shelly DeKam of Castlewood, South Dakota; 21 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marlys (John) Bouw of Leota; four brothers, Arnold (Faye) of Missouri, John of South Dakota, Harold of Edgerton, and Elmer (Hennie) of Edgerton; four sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold (2002); mother, Margaret (1968); father, John (1978); sister, Laura (2007); one grandson; one great-granddaughter; four sisters-in-law, and four brothers-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edgerton First Christian Reformed Church Missions Fund, 125 Center Street West, POB 95, Edgerton, MN 56128.