Nelson, Robert H.

NELSON, SWANSON, EDLER, WEBER, CRAWFORD, FORSBERG

Posted By: dbeier (email)
Date: 1/11/2011 at 14:32:33

Robert Harold Nelson, 86 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at his home following a sudden illness.

He was born on January 21, 1924, in Wakefield, Nebraska, the son of Nels A. and Anna (Swanson) Nelson.

He graduated from high school in Wakefield and then earned a B.A. degree from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, and an M.A. degree from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska. He served in the U.S. Army during W.W. II. On October 27, 1950, he and the former Millie Earleen Edler were married in Wakefield, Nebraska. She preceded him in death in 2003. Mr. Nelson held several teaching and administrative positions in Nebraska before relocating to Independence, Iowa, in 1957. In Independence he was a mathematics teacher at the high school until he retired in 1984. He also taught several semesters at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. On weekends, he was a rural newspaper delivery person for 30 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Independence and the Bechter-Boies V.F.W. Post #2440.

Mr. Nelson is survived by 1 son, Tim (Ruth) Nelson of Hampton, Iowa, and 2 daughters, Teresa (Glenn) Weber of Perry, Iowa, and Tammy (Randy) Crawford of Independence, Iowa. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 1 sister, Velma Forsberg of Wakefield, Nebraska, and 1 brother, Melvin Nelson of Longmont, Colorado.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, 1 grandson, Robby, 5 sisters, and 2 brothers.

Funeral Services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church in Independence, Iowa, with Rev. Scott Meador officiating. Robby Weber was an Honorary Casket Bearer. Casket Bearers were Michael Nelson, Anna Nelson, Sarah Nelson, Matthew Weber, Kelsey Harland, Kyle Harland, and Zach Harland.

Burial was in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.