Charles Elmer Nelson

NELSON

Posted By: Sally J Haverly (email)
Date: 11/17/2006 at 05:01:58

Ames Tribune. May 19, 1908 - Jan 29, 1994
Charles "Chuck" Nelson, a business leader who once headed up the Ames Chamber of Commerce, died Saturday of cancer. He was 85. Nelson, who owned Nelson Electric Company, was well known for his civic volunteering and outgoing nature. He retired in 1988 and was active in a number of community groups. "He made a lot of friends," said Matt Nelson, his grandson. " I would have to say he was pretty outgoing. He could always play a good game of checkers." Friends described Nelson as an affable, energetic man who liked to meet friends for coffee every Monday morning. Several said he was known for his high-energy and contagious enthusiasm. "He was very friendly and had lots of friends," said Debbie Young, a secretary with Nelson Electric, which does wiring and other projects for new developments. "He was very involved in the business community." Nelson Electric will be closed Tuesday in honor of Nelson, she said. Nelson is survived by his wife, two sons, Paul and Jerry Nelson; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a broither Ferrell Don Nelson, and a sister, Gweneth Arlene Nelson. Nelson, a life-long Ames resident, married Pauline Dodds in 1937. He was a member of the Ames York Rite, the ZaGaZig Shrine, the Story County Shrine Club, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and Arcadia Lodge #249. Nelson was a member of the First United Methodist Church and past president of the Ames Noon Lions Club. Visitation will be held from 7 to 9 pm Monday at
Adams Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church Homeward Hospice. Adams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial services will be Tuesday at 1:30 pm at First United Methodist Church, with Rev James Louk officiating. Burial will be Tuesday at 12:30 pm in Ames Municipal Cemetery.