Dennis Nelson

Dennis Nelson, 83, of Creston, IA died September 29, 2023, at Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy in Omaha, NE. Mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, October 6 at 10:30 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Creston. Rev. Patrick Amedeka will officiate. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, October 5 at Pearson Family Funeral Service       in Creston that will include a rosary at 4 PM, family receiving friends from 5-7 PM and Elk’s Memorial Service at 7:30 PM. Memorials will be directed to the Catholic Rerun or Creston Elks Lodge.     

Dennis was born July 27, 1940 in Wood River, NE. He was the son of Joseph and Patricia (Kenney) Nelson. Dennis was the 8^th of 10 children. Dennis graduated from Wood River High School in 1957 and Kearney State University with a bachelor’s degree in 1962. On June 2, 1962, Dennis married Lois Engle in Wood River, NE. Four children Debora, Kimberly, Suzanne and Kevin would bless this union. In 1962, they settled in Schuyler, NE where Dennis was a teacher and coach. In 1965, the young family moved to Scribner, NE for Dennis’s teaching and coaching positions. Dennis accepted a teaching position and head high school basketball coach in Creston, IA in 1969. Dennis later received a master’s degree in counselling from Wayne State University in 1970 and became the guidance counselor at Burton R. Jones Junior High School in Creston. In 1973, Dennis left the field of education to work for MATURA Youth Program.

Dennis began his long career in the insurance industry in 1974. He eventually became a State Farm Insurance agent in Creston for 30 years. Dennis was committed to his customers and the Creston community. He played an active role in many organizations including Creston Chamber of Commerce, Union County Development Association, St. Malachy School Board, Knights of Columbus, Holy Spirit Parish, Kiwanis, Crestmoor Golf Course Board of Directors, and Greater Regional Medical Center Board of Directors. Dennis was a member of the Creston Elk’s Lodge, past Exalted Ruler, Iowa Elk’s President (1987) and Past State President.

Dennis enjoyed life to the fullest with a keen sense of humor. He was such a jokester, during a recent heart attack, the nurse asked if he was joking. Dennis was an unwavering Nebraska Cornhusker fan, cheering them on until the end. Dennis was most happy spending time with family, gardening, and enjoying every moment with his wife of 61 years. Dennis loved volunteering and serving wherever possible. He was so grateful for the 20 years that he and Lois were active in marriage ministry preparing a multitude of couples for a Christ-centered marriage.

Dennis will be dearly missed by survivors, wife Lois; children, Debbie (Scott) Boyd of Underwood, IA; Kim (Shannon) O’Brien of Katy, TX, Suzanne (Steve) Johnston of Creston, and Kevin Nelson (significant other Lare) of Creston. Grandchildren, Jamie (Courtney) Totte-Boyd, Jake Boyd, Sarah Nowaski, Sydney Nowaski, Samantha Nowaski, Hannah Johnston (fiancé Will Koch), Ellie (Cortney) Sandeman, and Paul Johnston. Great Grandchildren, Charlee, Weslee, Bohdee, Sultan, Vinni, Zaylee, Asher, Cypress, and Jovie. Brother, Robert (Barb) Nelson of Omaha, NE; Sisters, Mary Jane Bachkora of Kansas City, MO, Rose Callahan of Grand Island, NE, Patricia (Jim) Kasparek of Grand Island, NE; Sisters-in Law, Diane Nelson of Grand Island, NE; Joan (Steve) Amos of Carter Lake, IA; Linda Thate of Dunnell, MN; Brother-in-law, James (Marlys) Engle of Early, IA. Many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Patricia Nelson; in-laws, Charles and Ethel Engle; brothers              Fr. Bernard Nelson, Jack Nelson, Tim Nelson, Tom Nelson; sister, Patricia (JoAnn) Scripture; brothers-in-law, Floyd Callahan, Brian Bachkora, Lyle Scripture, and Dean Thate; sisters-in-law, Shirley Nelson and Nona Nelson.

Dennis’s legacy that lives on in his descendants is faith in God, living a life of joy and gratitude, expressing unconditional love, sharing time with family and friends and cheering on the Huskers.