Danyelle J. Nelson (McKay)

Danyelle J. (McKay) Nelson, 43 of Fort Totten ND passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at her home. 

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday, February 8, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.   Funeral Services will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Paul Schuster officiating.  Burial will be in St. Jerome’s Cemetery, rural Fort Totten with her grandparents. 

Danyelle Jade, daughter and one of eleven children born to Ernest P. and Phyllis M. (Herman) McKay was born on February 2, 1978 in Devils Lake ND.  She grew up on Spirit Lake Nation and attended Four Winds High School. 

Danyelle worked for a time at the Spirit Lake Casino and Resort and various jobs in the area.  She was at one time married to Dale Nelson and they were the proud parents of a daughter Hailey.  Danyelle met Rodney Burkhard and they have made a life together for the past 19 years and welcomed 3 more children into the family, KaeDynce, Tucker and Braydon. 

First and foremost, Danyelle was a loving mother, sister, aunt, companion, and dear friend to many.  She enjoyed going to the Casino, meeting old friends, and making new ones.  She especially enjoyed being on a Dart League with her parents and sisters.  Many treasured memories of fun and laughter were made each time they got together. 

Danyelle has left us too soon, but we shall continue to love her, miss her and forever hold her in our hearts. 

Danyelle’s loving family include Rodney Burkhard; children Hailey Nelson, KaeDynce Burkhard, Tucker Burkard and Braydon Burkhard; siblings Cheryl McKay (Brad Johnson), Sharon (Solomon) Peltier, Ernesta (Matt) Davidson, Ernest (Kim) McKay II, Erick P. McKay, Eronn P. (Cassie) McKay, Erlinda McKay and Earland P. McKay; brother-in-law Dean Morken; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles who were all very dear to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Elliott K. McKay; sister Marcella Morken and nephew Baby Erick McKay Jr.