Roger W. Nelson

Roger W. Nelson, age 74, of Montezuma, formerly of Brooklyn, passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at his home. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at the Michael J. Manatt Center, Brooklyn, with Rev. Josh Gerard officiating. Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at the Michael J. Manatt Center, Brooklyn. Inurnment will be in the Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be contributed in Roger’s name to East Poweshiek Ambulance or the Brooklyn Fire Department. Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Roger is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patti; his three children, Tammy Nelson, of Des Moines, Eric (Keri Geiger) Nelson, of Brooklyn, and Sheri (Bart) Sharer, of Montezuma; three grandchildren, Kane Conklin, Jadyn Sharer and Clark Nelson; and also nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Dale and Mildred Nelson, a brother Marvin Nelson and a nephew Jared Nelson.

Roger Wayne Nelson, was born April 27, 1947, in Primghar, Iowa, the son of Dale and Mildred (Peterson) Nelson. He graduated in 1965 from Primghar High School. Roger attended Wartburg College and played basketball and football. Later he continued his education going to lineman school in Sheldon. Roger was employed at REC as a Lineman and Operations Manager in June 1969 until he retired in January 2013 after 44 years. He was united in marriage to Patricia “Patti” Saylor on June 19, 1971 at the First Presbyterian Church, in Brooklyn. Roger co-founded the East Poweshiek County Ambulance Service in 1976 with Clark Bohbrink. He was an active member of the Brooklyn Fire Department for 30 years and also served as the Fire Chief. Roger enjoyed bowling, golfing, and visiting his friends at the Brooklyn, Montezuma and New Sharon Country Clubs as well as riding around the lake with his dog. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Bears. But above all of his activities, Roger loved going to all of his grandchildren’s sporting events. GO HAWKS!!!