Nelson, Odin G 1919 - 1974

NELSON, MOEN, VEGORS

Posted By: Norman Hjelmeland (email)
Date: 4/22/2021 at 20:30:24

Odin G. Nelson, well known former Decorah resident, died September 23 at Veteran's Hospital in Iowa City. Nelson, in poor health for several years, had been under the care of the Iowa Soldier's Home, Marshalltown, since 1970. He underwent surgery in July, but recovery was complicated by lung failure to which he succumbed early Monday at the age of 55.
Nelson was born in Decorah May 2, 1919, the youngest son of Norman C. and Mabel Moen Nelson. After graduation from Decorah High School, he was employed with the Decorah Journal and the Decorah Theatres until 1944 when he entered the United States Army. Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, he saw service in Germany and, upon his return, was to become very active in the Veteran's of Foreign Wars.
He worked several years with the Nehi Bottling Co. but it was as Secretary of the Decorah Chamber of Commerce that "Odie" was to become known to nearly everyone in the Winneshiek County area. Holding that position from 1949 until 1959, he became a familiar face as Master of Cermonies at many local events.
A capable writer, organizer and public speaker, Nelson was a generous volunteer for such groups as the Decorah Kilties, Rotary, Lions, American Legion and the First Lutheran Church. A Past Commander of the VFW Post No. 1977, he directed the military funeral honors for many area veterans. Now the salvos are for him.
Nelson is survived by a brother Hubert of Denver, Colo.; his son O. Davis of Laurel, Md.; daughter Linda, now Mrs. Richard Vegors of Ft. Dodge, Ia.; and five grandchildren: Geoffrey, 11 and Gregory Nelson, 10, and the Vegor's children, Teresa, 9, Brent, 5, and Heather, 1.
Services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at the First Lutheran Church by the Rev. Paul Christenson. Pallbearers were Arthur Anderson, Irvin Berge, Jerry Dahly, Harry Lensch, Fred Rosenthal and John Rekward. Arrangements were made by Steine Funeral Home, and burial was at the Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah. Mrs. William Kuhlman was organist and accompanied the congregation as they sang hymns.

Decorah Journal, September 26, 1974

Decorah Lutheran Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen