John Alvin Nelson (1932-2012)

NELSON, NIZZI, FAUST, WILKINSON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 8/18/2012 at 11:01:49

From Iles Funeral Homes obituary, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa:

John Alvin Nelson, 79, passed away peacefully at his home and began his eternal life in Heaven on Tuesday, February 14, 2012. A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale. Burial will follow at McDivitt Grove Cemetery in Urbandale.

John was born on May 26th, 1932 in Fernald, Iowa to Alvin and Ruth Nelson. He graduated from Fernald High School and attended Grandview College. John enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and served for 4 years. On May 15th, 1961 John married the love of his life, Emma Nizzi. John was a real-estate broker for 50 years. During his long and successful career he received the Realtor Associate of the Year award. John was a very active member of the EAA- Chapter 135. He was also a member of the Urbandale American Legion-Post 644.

John was a very kind and loving person who enjoyed life to the fullest. His greatest love was his family, with his love of aviation coming in as a close second. He achieved his life long dream of building a Skybolt airplane. John always had a smile to share and a joke to tell.

John will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Emma; daughter, Vicki (Gordie) Faust; son, Tom (Kim) Nelson; grandchildren, Jordan and Jesse Faust and Michael and Taylor Nelson; sister, JoAnn Wilkinson; along with many family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his adoring grandson, Justin Dominic Faust.

The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors at Mercy Cancer Center, especially Dr. Deming and his nurse Amanda along with his wonderful neighbors and friends.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 17, Iles Funeral Homes, Westover Chapel in Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the John Nelson Memorial fund for a memorial to be established in John's name. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.