Valere H. Nelson
Valere H. Nelson, 88, Forest City, passed away with his wife by his side, Monday, Aug. 14, 2017 at the Lake Mills Care Center. Funeral were held Monday, Aug. 21, at Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills. with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Burial was held in Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Leland VFW Post #6161. The family suggests that memorials be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or Winnebago Lutheran Church Organ Fund. Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, was in charge of arrangements.
Valere Hanford Nelson was born July 6, 1929 in Mount Valley Township, Winnebago County to parents Russell and Ruth (Larson) Nelson, and was baptized and confirmed at Winnebago Lutheran Church. At the age of four, Valere began country school in the first grade, subsequently graduating from Forest City High School at only 16 years old.
Valere was drafted into the United States Army in 1951, serving overseas during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1953.
Following his military service, he returned home to farm and began dating Elaine Neuberger, Klemme. The couple was united in marriage Oct. 3, 1954 at Klemme United Methodist Church. They made their home and raised their family in rural Forest City and have shared a very blessed life together. Their greatest joy was having family and friends come to visit.
Farming was Valere’s lifelong vocation. He began working as a young man with his brother and dad, later custom combining with his friend Ed Knudtson, and ending his career side by side with his son Jeff, raising hogs and crop farming. He was a 4-H leader and Pork Producer member.
Over the years, Valere and Elaine were loyal fans, watching their children’s and grandchildren’s games and school activities, and later becoming avid Hawkeye and Twin’s fans. They also enjoyed traveling and camping with friends and family to northern Minnesota, Hawaii, Alaska, California and Florida. In his free time, Valere loved to read and was a life long learner.
Church was an important part of Valere’s life and he held various positions at Winnebago Lutheran church. He also enjoyed serving as a Stephen’s minister.
Valere was a devoted husband, strong father, and proud grandpa. He looked for the bright side in every situation and was quick to offer words of encouragement and hugs of support. Valere carried a song in his heart and could often be heard whistling or singing. His kind and loving spirit will be missed by all that knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine, Forest City; three children: Patricia Juhl, Forest City; Jeff (Robin) Nelson, Forest City; and Sally (Gary) Prinsen, Independence, Minn.; 12 grandchildren: Stephanie (Jon) Thomas, Amy (Molly Mann) Juhl, Annette Fox, Stacy John, Travis John, Becky (Mike) Madison, Cristy Nelson, Samantha (Jordan) Hill, Darcy Nelson, Jessica (Andrew) Assman, Jack Prinsen and Grant Prinsen; 11 great-grandchildren: Haley, Tyler, Madilyn, Natalie, Audrey, Marni, Josie, Kenson, Natalia, Drew and Peter; a sister, Marilyn Ostlund, Lakeville, Minn.; brother- and sister-in-lawm M. Alan (Jerenne) Neuberger, Hacienda Heights, Calif.; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Ruth Nelson; in-laws, Melvin and Milly Neuberger; two brothers: Duane Nelson and Richard (Debra) Nelson; a granddaughter, Atty Joy Nelson; and a brother-in-law, John Ostlund.
