Robert 'Bob' Wayne Nelson

March 14, 1924 — March 18, 2012

Robert Wayne Nelson, the son of Walter and Carrie (Larsen) Nelson, was born March 14, 1924 in Dell Rapids, SD. His childhood years were spent in the Dell Rapid, SD area, where he received his education, graduating from Dell Rapids High School. Following his graduation, he entered the military and served with the U.S. Navy from July of 1942, until his honorable discharge in Sept. of 1945. Following his discharge, he continued his education at Drake University, where he received his pharmacy degree. He continued to practice pharmacy for over 50 years. Bob married Arlene Goyette on September 4, 1946 in Royal, Iowa. Following their marriage, they lived in Spencer, where he worked at Rexall Drug. In 1964 Bob and Arlene bought Lynch Drug, which later became Nelson Drug, which he continued to operate until their retirement in 1989. In 1992, they moved to Milford, Iowa and began to spend their winters in Arizona, which they continued until 2011. Due to Bob's failing health, he became a resident of St. Luke Lutheran Home in July of 2011. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer. Bob was also active with the Iowa Pharmacist Association, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rites, Shrine, Glen Pedersen Post #1 - American Legion and Heifer International. He also enjoyed golfing, reading, traveling all over the world and spending time at Lake Okoboji, where he had a lot of great memories during the summers with the grandchildren, his family and his many friends. He and Arlene were blessed with over 65 years of marriage. Bob passed away at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, Iowa on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Arlene of Spencer; two sons: David L. Nelson and his wife, Suzi of Spencer and Donald Nelson and his wife, Pam of Stillwater, MN; three brothers: Lawrence 'Larry' Nelson and his wife, Fran, Oliver Nelson and his wife, Marion, and Rupert Nelson and his wife, Dee; 5 grandchildren: Jasmine (Chris) Marchese, Samantha (Chris) Barr, Scott Nelson, Dustin (Katie) Nelson and Kahley Nelson; other relatives and many friends, including 5 foreign exchange students from Kuwait and Iraq.

SERVICES

Memorial services will be held 11:00 A.M., Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer. A military flag presentation will be conducted by Glen Pedersen Post #1 - American Legion of Spencer, Iowa at the church following the memorial services.

OFFICIATING

Pastor Len Halvorson

CASKET BEARERS

HONORARY BEARERS: Bob's Grandchildren Jasmine Marchese Samantha Barr Scott Nelson Dustin Nelson Kahley Nelson as well as all of his other many friends.

VISITATION

There will a public gathering with the family present from 5 to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday Evening at the Warner Funeral Home in Spencer.

MUSIC

'Precious Memories' 'On Eagle's Wings' By Mike Palm 'How Great Thou Art' By The Congregation ORGANIST: Jan Palm

INTERMENT

Riverside Cemetery Spencer, Iowa Privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be designated to "Love Takes Root" or Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer.

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