Obituary of Harold Nelsen

A memorial service for Harold Nelsen, 81, of Lake Park, will be on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM at United Methodist Church in Lake Park. Burial will be at Silver Lake Cemetery. Visitation for Harold will be held Friday, March 3rd from 5:00-7:00 PM at United Methodist Church in Lake Park.

Harold Eugene Nelsen, the son of Marvin and Lillie (Christensen) Nelsen, was born December 16, 1941 on the family farm in Ruthven, Iowa. After completing high school, he received manager training through Farmland.

On September 15, 1971, Harold was married to Carol Buren in Spencer, Iowa. He worked as a grain elevator manager and they lived in Dickens, Spencer, Lake Park and Ute before returning to Lake Park in 2007. 

Harold enjoyed hunting, woodworking, playing cards, dancing the Polka, gardening, and was especially proud of the asparagus patch. Whether it was for a family vacation, fishing, golfing or sightseeing, he loved going on trips. Spending time with family was important to him.  He enjoyed playing games, attending grandkid's school programs and passing along his skills to the next generations.  In the winter, there was always a jigsaw puzzle to solve.

Harold always knew how to make someone smile with his witty comments and humor. He had a sincere compassion for others, hardworking and believed in doing the right thing.

Harold passed away February 27, 2023 at the Spencer Municipal Hospital at eighty-one years of age.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Nelsen of Lake Park; children, Lee Nelsen of Lake Park, LeeAnn (Donald) Reetz of Milford, Iowa; and Dawn (Doug) Goodell of Lake Park, Iowa; grandchildren, Elizabeth Reetz, Ethan Reetz, Seth Goodell, and Nathan Goodell; siblings, Norma Dotson of Spencer, Stella Stahly of Lake Park and Dan (Mary) Nelsen of Spencer; nephews, nieces and many other relatives and friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Ronald Nelsen, Marjorie Hale and Leland Nelsen.