Nelson, Floyd (1912-2003)

NELSON, WORK, GRISWOLD, SWANSON, CHANDLER

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 11/27/2010 at 23:53:29

Floyd Nelson
January 19, 1912 - October 29, 2003

Floyd O. Nelson, 91, founder of Nelson Products Company, Sioux Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2003, at the Spencer Municipal Hospital following a four-year battle with Sezany Syndrome.

Floyd O. Nelson was born on January 19, 1912, in Lamoni, the son of Oscar and Lula (Work) Nelson. The family moved to the Estherville area, and there Floyd received his education and developed his strong work ethic and his life-long love of learning.

After graduating from high school, Floyd moved to New York State where he found employment and attended classes at Syracuse University. He later found employment at the Curtiss-Wright Corporation-Airplane Division out of Columbus, Ohio, as a quality control representative. His effort to enlist during World War II was denied because of the high priority position he held in the aviation field.

After the war Floyd returned to the Spencer area where he was employed as a salesman for Clay County Implement and, later, as a sales representative for Jamesway Manufacturing Company out of Janesville, Wisconsin.

Floyd was united in marriage to Vera Remilland Griswold on August 14, 1954, at the Methodist Church in Worthington, Minnesota. They continued to make their home in Sioux Rapids, and in 1962, Floyd left Jamesway and founded Nelson Products Company. The company became known worldwide as a leader in small animal waterers and feeders. After selling the company in 1976, Floyd and Vera enjoyed many carefree years of retirement.

Floyd was a member of the First United Church in Sioux Rapids and a sixty-three year member of the Grand Lodge in New York State, having been raised to the degree of Master Mason on June 21, 1940.

Floyd touched the lives of many people. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He earned the respect of his employees, and they remained loyal to him even in his retirement. Other than family and friends, there was something else that was very important to Floyd and which brought him much joy - his lawn. If you are smiling now, you do understand!

Floyd is survived by Vera, his loving wife of forty-nine years; his daughter, Lynda Griswold Swanson, of Davenport; two grandsons, Jeff Swanson, of Littleton, Colorado, and Jon Swanson, of Davenport; one sister, Alleta Nelson, of Fairfield; one sister-in-law, Helen Nelson, of Estherville; one cousin, Madolyn Chandler, of Fairfield; a friend, Larry Swanson, of Davenport; and several nieces and nephews, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Lula Nelson; by one sister, Vera, and one brother, Claire, of Estherville

Celebration of life services for Floyd O. Nelson were held at the First United Church in Sioux Rapids on November 1, 2003, with Pastor Emily Allen officiating. Honoring Mr. Nelson's request, the services were private with inurnment to follow at a later date. The Meyer Brothers Funeral Home, Sioux City, handled the arrangements.

© Copyright 2003, Storm Lake Pilot Tribune

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