Lois J. Nelson

Lois Jean Nelson, 91, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2015, in Des Moines. Lois was born August 14, 1924, in Renwick, Iowa, to Bertie and Pearl (Trask) Martin. After growing up on a farm in Wright County and graduating from Renwick High School in 1942, Lois attended Iowa State College (Iowa State University) where she received her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1946. She married the love of her life, Marvin Nelson, on June 30, 1946, and together they raised three children while operating a farm in rural Wright County. Lois taught Home Economics for several years at Vernon High School and later continued to help the community by substitute teaching. Her love of music was evident as she played the piano and organ for family and friends as well as for larger audiences at Eastern Star and Renwick Baptist Church. In later years, she frequently dressed as a clown and played the piano to the delight of local nursing home residents. Lois also loved baking bread and delivering it to friends, and also producing a large variety of fruits and vegetables in her home garden. She was an active member of the Renwick Baptist Church, Boone Township Women and Eastern Star. Lois and Marvin enjoyed traveling near and far, with particular interest in boating and fishing. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister (Marian Buchanan) and her husband of 51 years, Marvin. Lois is survived by three children: Miriam (David) Koenigs of Marshalltown, Anne Hepburn of West Des Moines, and Dr. Lynn (Julie) Nelson of West Des Moines; six grandchildren: Michael Koenigs, Mark Koenigs, Grant Nelson, Daniel Nelson, Joseph Nelson and Mary Nelson; four great-grandchildren: Madeline Koenigs, Keely Koenigs, Caroline Koenigs and Anna Koenigs; and two siblings: Margaret Lubbert and Walter Martin. In lieu of Flowers, Lois's family requests memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Church in Renwick, Iowa