Jerry Nelsen

Jerry Lowell Nelsen was born December 25, 1941, at his grandmother’s home in Anita, Iowa, to Ross and Maxine Nelsen. Jerry Passed away August 7, 2026, at Cass County Hospital with his wife Faye by his side.

He attended several country schools and graduated from Anita High School in 1960. Following graduation, Jerry worked for Union Pacific Railroad during the summer before beginning employment at Anita Lumber Company that fall.

Jerry was drafted into the United States Army and served for two years in Missouri and Virginia. While on leave before being stationed in Korea, he accompanied his older brother, Jim, on ice cream deliveries for Schwan’s Ice Cream. During one of those deliveries to the grocery store in Elk Horn, he met Faye Klein. The two were married on October 30, 1966, at Elk Horn Lutheran Church. Their Marriage was blessed with two daughters Lori and Sheri.

Throughout his life, Jerry continued to work at the Anita Lumber Company, then worked as a carpenter, an implement dealer, and Glacier before retiring. He was a skilled craftsman who built hitch wagons, made harnesses, and completed all the work on his own buildings.

Jerry always had a love for ponies and horses. There were many parades over the years with his dad, the girls and Shetland pony hitches. Over the years he moved on to Belgian Draft Horses and greatly enjoyed farming his land. Visiting Amish communities was one of his favorite pastimes, and through those visits he formed many lifelong friendships. He also enjoyed attending horse sales, sharing popcorn and ice cream, and spending time with family and friends.

In Jerry’s memory, we ask that you take time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures: smell freshly cut grass, watch the corn and beans grow, talk to the horses, take an afternoon nap, and always look to the stars.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Faye Nelsen; his daughter, Lori (Wade) Forsberg of Thief River Falls, MN and her family: Jessika (Kyle) Vigen, Westen and Wyatt of Wilmot, SD; Brittney (Anthony) Gast, Parker, Bodie and Ivy of E. Grand Forks, MN; Cassidy (Danny) Forsberg, Hunter, Chase, Emilee and Brantlee of Kelliher, MN; Jadeann (Brendan) Forsberg of Thief River Falls, MN and daughter, Sheri (Jon) Bernard of Kingwood, TX and her family: Mackayla (Mike) Rosas of Hockley, TX; Cody (Christy) Bernard, Stephen of Blanco, TX; sister-in-law, Jolene Nelsen; brother, Joe (Mary) Nelsen; brother- in-law, Larry (Linda) Klein and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Maxine Nelsen; father and mother-in-law, Clarence and Frances Klein; brother, Jim Nelsen and sister-in-law, Nancy Klein.

Jerry will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of family, his appreciation for the land and horses he cherished, and the many friendships he made throughout his life.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026 at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Anita with Rev. Ted Weishaupt officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita.

Visitation with the family will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the family and may be mailed to Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Services are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita.