Robert Louis Nelson passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at 95 years old. He was born on Aug. 22, 1929, to Hilda and Clarence Nelson of Missouri Valley, where he was raised and attended Missouri Valley High School. Bob joined the Navy during the Korean War where he was stationed as an airplane mechanic on an aircraft carrier in the Sea of Japan. Bob married Bertha Bunnell on Jan. 9, 1954, and had four daughters here in Missouri Valley, (Helen) Michele Dedic, Jeanene Rumsey, Charlene Kunsman and Robin Selden. They moved to California in the 60’s, where Bob had a long and successful career as a jet engine inspector for United Airlines. Robert Nelson was a man of many talents – he built his own house, rebuilt several cars, and repaired clocks as a past time. He worked hard and smart, and was a role model for his daughters, nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was loved by Jan and Leonard Johnson, long time friends in Missouri Valley and all who met him for his funny stories from the Navy, love for farming and love for Iowa. He was one in a million and will be greatly missed.
