Melvin Nelsen

Melvin Glen Nelsen, son of Harvey and Pearl (Cunningham) Nelsen, was born on October 12, 1934, at their family home near Shelby, Iowa. He was baptized and later confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Melvin attended a country school near Shelby and graduated with the Class of 1953 from Shelby High School, where he played football during his school years.

In 1954, Melvin entered the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, followed by advanced individual training in anti-aircraft. He served overseas in Germany for 18 months and achieved the rank of E4 before being honorably discharged in 1956. After his service, he returned home and worked for local farmers.

On May 25, 1958, Melvin was united in marriage to Myrna Mae Krummel at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca. Together they farmed northwest of Shelby until 1967, when they purchased and moved to their home place south of Shelby. They were blessed with three children: Rhonda, Steven, and Daniel. Melvin continued farming until his retirement in 1997.

Melvin was a longtime member of the Shelby American Legion where he participated in the gun volley and served as treasurer. He was honored with the Quilt of Valor on September 12, 2024. Over the years, he enjoyed taking flying lessons with Olie Pash, listening and dancing to Polka music, bowling, and participating in card club. He also took great pride in restoring his old 3010 John Deere tractor, a project that reflected both his love of farming and his attention to detail. He looked forward to driving it in local parades and tractor rides. Above all, he was a devoted family man who never missed a chance to cheer on his children and grandchildren in their many activities. He treasured every moment spent with those he loved.

Melvin passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Avoca Specialty Care in Avoca, Iowa, at the age of 90 years, eight months and 16 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Myrna Nelsen; daughter, Rhonda Nelsen; and brother, Norman Nelsen.

Melvin is survived by two sons: Steve (Kerry) Nelsen of Kansas City, Missouri and Dan (Lynette) Nelsen of Walnut; nine grandchildren: Joshua Bramman, Dustin (Lesley) Nelsen, Dakota (Felicia) Nelsen, Dane (Beth) Nelsen, Michael (Tiffany) Nelsen, Meghan (Keith) Milbourn, Carrissa Holloway, Sidney (Will) Rupnow and Kyley (Joel) Henningsen; 13 great-grandchildren: Harvey, Henry, Harrison, Bo, Jaci, Jorja, Ryker, Rowan, Jones, Wrenley, Blakely, Eli and Owen; sister, Darlene Arnold of Bluffton, Ohio; and many other family and friends.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the United Lutheran Church in Shelby. Interment with military honors will follow in the Shelby Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for donations to be made in his name.