Bill Lee Nelson, 76, of Rockwell, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9, 2024 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. Fullerton Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of funeral arrangements.
A visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 502 Second Street South, Rockwell, IA. A funeral service will be held the same day at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor G Kim Wills officiating. Bill will be laid to rest with a private family graveside service at Rockwell Cemetery at a later date.
Bill was born on July 28, 1948 in Rockwell, IA to Leon and Madeline (Yarrow) Nelson. He graduated from Rockwell-Swaledale High School in 1966 then completed the automotive program at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City. On May 31, 1969, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Ellen (Carlsgaard) Nelson. To their union, two sons were born, Chris and Craig.
Bill worked as a mechanic and co-owned Nelson’s Garage from 1971-1991. He then began working for Eaton Corporation factory in Belmond, IA as a machinist for 17.5 years until retirement. Bill absolutely loved fixing up cars. He also enjoyed RC airplanes and was a member of the River City RC Club for many years. He was fascinated with planes and especially liked WWII airplanes and going to local air shows.
Other hobbies that Bill enjoyed were pheasant hunting, fishing and drag racing. Bill loved the outdoors. He went on many camping trips with his family out to Montana and had several memorable trips with his wife to Alaska. He liked the mountains, hiking and white-water rafting. Bill was famous for his “short cuts,” while driving; which always ended up being the longer route.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Mary Ellen Nelson of Rockwell; sons, Chris (Darla) Nelson of Hampton and Craig Nelson of Rockwell; grandchildren: Timothy Brown, Nicholas Nelson, Madeline (Austin Mitchell) Nelson, Benjamin (Kendrick Scott) Nelson, Darin Nelson, Jasmine West Nelson and Dylan Robbins; sisters: Lynette (Lynn) Martin, Carol (John) Cole, Shelia (Jim) Muller, Jody (Tom) Kelly and Lisa (Jim) Nelson and beloved dogs, Houlka and Jesse.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
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