Erwin Harold Nelson, 87, of Lyons, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, at Oakland Heights in Oakland. He was born to Clarence and Clara (Schlichting) Nelson of Oakland on Jan. 21, 1935.
Erwin lived out his childhood on a farm southeast of Oakland, received his education in a country school near Oakland and attended high school in Oakland.
After graduation, he worked on the family farm and drove truck for his father's trucking business "Nelson Transfer”. On Dec. 12, 1954, Erwin married the love of his life, Lila Mae Bird and lived in Oakland until 1959. Then came a new farming adventure in 1960 where Erwin and Lila moved to the Pender area and started their lifelong farming journey. In the spring of 1975, Erwin had an opportunity to farm his uncle’s ground between Bancroft and Lyons in which they chose to call their new home. In Dec. 1988, Erwin and Lila ended their farming journey with a farm sale and chose to retire and move to Lyons to which he resided until his death. Erwin and Lila enjoyed several winters in Texas, spent time camping and truly enjoyed every minute with family
including their two sons, three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Erwin also had a love for his garden to which he and Rick spent many hours tending and took great pride in.
Erwin is a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Lyons and has served on the board.
Erwin is survived by his wife, Lila Mae (Bird) Nelson of 68 years of Lyons; two sons: Rick (Diane Rix) Nelson of Lyons and Charles (Michelle) Nelson of Le Mars, Iowa; grandchildren: Cayla (Robbie) Walsh, Mindi (Mitch) Schultze and Michael (Marissa) Nelson all of Le Mars; nine great-grandchildren: Ava Walsh, Hunter Walsh, Parker Walsh, Carter Walsh, Tavion Schultze, Lakin Schultze, Mason Schultze, Logan Nelson, Karlie Nelson; two sisters: Lorene "Lori" Boyd of Benson, Ariz., and Elizabeth "Liz" Luebbert of West Point; 2 sisters-in-law: Sandra (Leonard) Wintermote of Elm Creek and Betty (Steve) Mayberry of Cabool, Mo.; brother-in-law: Randy (Kathy) Bird of Wayne; along with several nieces and nephews.
Erwin is preceded in death by his parents: Clarence & Clara (Schlichting) Nelson; sister, Virgene Graulich; brother, Arnold Nelson; brothers-in-law: Paul Luebbert and Freddie "Sonny" Bird; mother and father-in-law: Fred and Verna (Schultz) Bird.
He will be very much missed by his Family and Friends
Funeral Service, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, 2:30 pm at Bethany Lutheran Church in Lyons.
Visitation, Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services Lyons
Burial,Lyons Cemetery, Lyons.
Memorials directed to the family for future designation.
Arrangements by Pelan Funeral Services Lyons www.pelanfuneralservices.com
