Jerry Nelson

JERRY L. NELSON Jerry L. Nelson, 73, of Atlantic, Iowa passed away Sunday morning, March 14, 2010, at Mercy Hospice in Johnson, Iowa. Jerry was born to Garland L. and Florence (Wahlert) Nelson in Audubon County, Iowa on August 19, 1936. He was raised on the family farm two miles south of Brayton, Iowa. He graduated from the Atlantic High School with the class of 1954. On May 14, 1960, Jerry was married to Ruth Judd in Atlantic. The couple, including their son and daughter, lived numerous places including Des Moines, Iowa. Jerry was a sales manager most of his life and later was employed as an electrician. In 1992, Jerry had an accident that changed his life so that he was unable to work again but he continued to enjoy visiting with family and friends. He lived for family reunions and most of all, he loved and adored his grandchildren. He had been a member of the Iowa National Guard in Atlantic and Gnemeth Masonic Lodge # 577 in West Des Moines. He was also a member of the ZaGaZig Shrine and had been very active in the consistory. His survivors include his son Brian Nelson and wife Sue and their daughter Lisa Nelson and fiancé Justin Howell and their son Matthew Nelson, all of Kansas City, KS; his daughter Janet Nelson of West Des Moines IA; sisters Lois Claassen and husband Richard of Fort Pierce, FL and Joyce Lutz and husband John of Des Moines, IA; sister-in-law Barb Nelson of Omaha, NE and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother Leon Nelson and a sister Zoe Johnson.Funeral Information Open visitation will be held daily at the Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic from 8:00 - 5:30. There will be a visitation with the family Thursday evening, March 18, from 6:00 to 8:00. Services for Jerry will be held Friday morning, March 19, at 10:30 at the Roland Funeral Home with Pastor Alan Finestead of the Exira Christian Church officiated. Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery. Roland Funeral Services is caring for Jerry's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family on our website: www.rolandfuneralservice.com.IN REMEMBRANCEJERRY NELSONBorn August 19, 1936In Audubon County, IowaENTERED INTO REST March 14, 201073 years, 6 months and 23 daysFUNERAL SERVICEFriday, March 19, 2010, 10:30 AMRoland Funeral HomeOFFICIATINGPastor Alan Finestead Exira Christian ChurchMUSICAL SELECTIONS"The Old Rugged Cross&""Amazing Grace&"By Kenny RogersBEARERS Matthew Nelson Justin Howell Allen Wright Jeff Viviano Keith Mullen Pat Crowley Randy Dill HONORARY BEARERJohn Lutz FLOWER COMMITTEEFamilyINTERMENTExira Cemetery, Exira, Iowa Atlantic Color GuardLUNCHEONFollowing the funeral service, Jerry"s family will join friends for a luncheon at the Exira Christian Church.