Arnold Nelson

Arnold Nelson, 97, of Van Meter died Friday, November 8, 2013 at Westbridge Care and Rehab in Winterset. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 12th at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Winterset, where family will gather with friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow in the Thornton McNear Stump Cemetery in Dallas County. A visitation with family present will be held 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, November 11th, at Ochiltree Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church or Middle River Hospice of Winterset. Arnold Edwin Nelson was born December 9, 1915 in Des Moines, Iowa; the son of Olaf and Adelle (Hassell) Nelson. He graduated from East High School in 1934. He served in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II and his marriage to Mary Louise Goodson took place on September 24, 1955 at Grandview Lutheran Church in Des Moines. Following his discharge from the Army, Arnold worked for the Social Security Administration in data processing and later worked with Homesteaders Life Company in Des Moines where he retired as a Vice President. Arnold would most wish to be remembered as a farmer having spent half of his lifetime working and managing his farm alongside his wife. Farming gave Arnold much enjoyment, whether tending to his horses and cattle or simply being outside in nature doing field work or gardening. He was a 42 year member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church where he and his wife were active for many years. He was also a 50 year member of the American Legion Post 232 of Polk City. Arnold especially enjoyed bowling and going dancing with Louise at various places including Lake Robbins. He is survived by a son, Ed Nelson (Terrie Kemp) of Van Meter; a daughter, Jean Howe (Richard) of Clive; five grandchildren, Erin Howe, Marie (Tarique) Howe Zaman, Jason Kemp, Jill (Anthony) Kemp Eleftheri and Jerrad (Jenna) Kemp; 8 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife who died December 31, 2012; two sisters, Francis Nelson and Gerda Abel; and brother, Herbert Nelson.