Nelson, Valere Hanford (1929-2017)
NELSON, LARSON, NEUBERGER, JUHL, PRINSEN, THOMAS, ASSMAN, FOX, HILL, JOHN, MADISON, OSTLUND
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 9/1/2017 at 15:30:41
Valere Hanford Nelson
July 06, 1929 - August 14, 2017Valere H. Nelson, age 88, of Forest City, passed away with his wife by his side on Monday, August 14, 2017, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa.
Valere Hanford Nelson was born on July 6, 1929, in Mount Valley Township, Winnebago County, Iowa, to Russell and Ruth (Larson) Nelson. Baptized and confirmed at Winnebago Lutheran Church, he began country school in the first grade and subsequently graduated from Forest City High School at age sixteen.
Drafted into the United States Army in 1951, Valere served overseas during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1953. Following his military service, he returned home to farm and began dating Elaine Neuberger of Klemme, Iowa. They married on October 3, 1954, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. Sharing a very blessed life together, they made their home and raised their family in rural Forest City. They found their greatest joy in having family and friends come to visit.
Valere made farming a lifelong vocation. He began working as a young man with his brother and dad; later, he did custom combining with his friend Ed Knudtson; and he ended his career side by side with his son, Jeff, raising hogs and harvesting crops. In addition, he served as a 4-H leader and joined the Pork Producers.
Over the years, Valere and Elaine, loyally, supported their children and grandchildren, watching their games and other school activities. Later, they became avid Hawkeye and Twins fans. In addition, they enjoyed traveling and camping with friends and family to Northern Minnesota, Hawaii, Alaska, California, and Florida. A lifelong learner, Valere loved to read in his free time. His church played a significant role in his life as well, and he held various positions at Winnebago Lutheran. He, also, enjoyed serving as a Stephen’s minister.
A devoted husband, strong father, and proud grandpa, Valere looked for the bright side in every situation and wouldn’t hesitate to offer words of encouragement and hugs of support. Carrying a song in his heart, he could often be heard whistling or singing. His kind and loving spirit will be missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine, of Forest City; his three children, Patricia Juhl, of Forest City, Jeff (Robin) Nelson, of Forest City, and Sally (Gary) Prinsen, of Independence, Minnesota; twelve grandchildren: Jessica (Andrew) Assman; Annette Fox; Samantha (Jordan) Hill; Amy (Molly Mann) Juhl; Stacy and Travis John; Becky (Mike) Madison; Cristy and Darcy Nelson; Grant and Jack Prinsen; and Stephanie (Jon) Thomas; and eleven great-grandchildren: Audrey, Drew, Haley, Josie, Kenson, Madilyn, Marni, Natalia, Natalie, Peter, and Tyler; his sister, Marilyn Ostlund, of Lakeville, Minnesota; and his brother- and sister-in-law, M. Alan (Jerenne) Neuberger, of Hacienda Heights, California; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Ruth Nelson; his in-laws, Melvin and Milly Neuberger; two brothers, Duane and Richard (Debra) Nelson; a granddaughter, Atty Joy Nelson; and a brother-in-law, John Ostlund.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, August 21, 2017, at Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Burial will take place in Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Leland VFW Post #6161. Visitation will be Sunday, August 20, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main Street, Lake Mills, and will continue for one hour before the service at the church on Monday.
The family suggests that memorials be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or the Winnebago Lutheran Church Organ Fund.
Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, Iowa, 2017.
Winnebago Obituaries maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
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