Thomas Gene Nelson, 80, passed away September 2, 2020 at Humboldt County Memorial Hospital Hospice with family at his side.
Tom was the son of Glenn and Edna Nelson formerly of Bradgate, IA. He was born and raised on a farm outside of Bradgate, and lived there until he graduated from high school in 1957. Tom attended Eagle Grove Junior College graduating in 1959, and continued on at Westmar in Le Mars graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Tom was united in marriage to the love of his life, Virginia Jolliffe, on August 30, 1959. Three children were born from this union, Jacqueline (Brian) Bates of Stanton, IA; Douglas (Julie) Nelson of Winterset, IA; and Pamela (Craig) Moss of West Union, IA. He was also blessed with six grandchildren, Thomas Bates, Jaimi Nelson, Nicholas Nelson, Mallory Wiese, Nelson (Madison) Wiese and Cassandra Moss.
Tom loved teaching school and coaching girls basketball, and will forever be known to his students as “Mr. Nelson”. His passion for hard work showed in his farming, construction work, and his inability to retire. Time with family and friends was another of Tom’s passions in life, and he spent many hours boating and pulling water skiers most weekends. A highlight of these outings was on the Des Moines River in Humboldt when Tom pulled seven skiers at one time down the river. Most who knew Tom, knew his love of music, singing and dancing with his forever partner, Ginny.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters; Clarice Artzer and Doris Hoag. Tom’s life, humor and quick wit will forever be cherished by his family, his brother, David Nelson, many nieces and nephews, and his lifelong friends Dennis and Rachel Fuller and their family.
Visitation will be at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Humboldt from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2020. Funeral Services will be at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Humboldt at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2020. Memorials may be given in Tom’s memory to Our Saviours Lutheran Church.
www.masonlindhart.com