Terry Nelson

Terrrance Joseph Nelson was born in Grand Island, Nebraska on October 5, 1942 to Alice and Merrill Nelson. His sister Sue came along soon after, and then the family of four relocated to Muscatine, Iowa. Terry was raised with a strong Catholic faith, instilled by his close family. He attended St. Mathias School for his early school years, then later graduated from Hayes Catholic High School. During his teenage years, he met his future wife, Nancy. They would go on to be married for forty-three fabulous years. Terry graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor of science in Electrical Engineering all while being a father and husband. Nancy and Terry’s children were all born in Muscatine. Chris arrived first in 1963, then Theresa in 1964, and Jennifer came along in 1970. The family of five moved to Marion, Iowa in 1975 where Terry worked for Central Iowa Power Cooperative for many years. In 1983, Terry brought the family to West Des Moines where he eventually started his own successful company called Electrical Power Products. All the while, Terry was an active father, and eventually grandfather. He is remembered fondly for his patience and generosity with everyone he met. He loved his family, his beer, and Willie Nelson with almost equal passion. When he retired, he had the opportunity to take up a new hobby, biking. He toured on his Fatboy motorcycle, visiting friends and destinations across the country. Terry is preceded in death by his wife Nancy and son Chris. He is survived by his daughters Theresa Moyer (Cam), Jenny Umstead (Jeff), and his sister Sue Conway. Grandchildren include Chris Moyer (Bridget), Katy Moyer, Libby Moyer, Miles and Franny Umstead, and great-granddaughter Molly Moyer. Molly was a great joy to him since her birth in 2020. Terry will be missed for his kindness, generosity and sense of humor. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and boss. We say farewell with the knowledge our paths will cross again. Keep rockin’ down the highway, Terry! Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to AHeinz Pet Rescue and Transport at www.aheinz57.com.