BOONE, Iowa—Funeral arrangements have been set for Orvil Nelson, of Boone, Iowa, went to be with the Lord on April 11, 2020, after nearly 99 full years of incredible dedication to bettering the lives of those around him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on June 27, 2020 at First United Methodist Church in Boone and can be viewed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82617507115. Burial will be in Linwood Park Cemetery. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and use of facemasks will be encouraged.
Born in Boone, Iowa, on April 30, 1921, Orvil was the son of Oscar & Amanda Nelson. While growing up on a family farm NE of Boone, Orvil attended the historic one-room Cole Schoolhouse and as the last living attendee was instrumental in its restoration through donations. Orvil graduated from Boone High School in 1940 and in 1943 enlisted in the United States Army, beginning a life-long endeavor of selflessly serving his Country and Community. In World War II, Orvil held rank of Sergeant, courageously fighting in the Battle of the Bulge during the Winter of 1944, continuing on afterward into German territory.
On June 25, 1954, he married Lois Van Meter in Ogden, Iowa, and the couple later moved to Boone. Orvil owned and operated Nelson Battery and Auto Electric as a mechanic. He spent his adult life focused on helping others through numerous organizations including the Boone County Veteran’s Affairs Commission and the Boone County Draft Board. He was appointed and reappointed by several Iowa Governors to serve as a member of the State Medical Assistance Advisory Council. Orvil Co-Chaired the Jaycee Traffic Safety Committee and was the Commanding Officer of the Boone Civil Air Patrol, holding rank of Captain. Orvil donated countless hours as Head Groundskeeper at Memorial Park; he was meticulous in preparing the field for Babe Ruth, High School and DMACC baseball while also serving many years with the Boone Little League. He was instrumental in obtaining a government grant to launch Boone County Transportation, focused on serving low income, elderly and disabled citizens; he went on to serve as President and Chairman of its governing board. He spent several decades commuting to volunteer at the Des Moines VA Hospital. He was a member of Elks, Moose, American Legion, and Kiwanis.
As passionate as Orvil was about his civic duties, to him – family was everything. He was a dedicated and proud husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Orvil always made a tremendous effort to be an active part of his Family’s lives regardless of distance or age. He instilled a strong foundation of unconditional love and support for one another while inspiring us to be kind, loyal, and generous. Orvil was both an exceptional role model and wonderful friend to many; he had a remarkable charm and sensational wit. We will forever cherish our countless memories with him and he will be missed dearly.
Orvil is preceded in death by his parents, wife, five siblings, and his precious grandson, Michael. He is survived by his daughter, Diana (Chuck) Mahoski of Bettendorf, Iowa, and son, Doug (Stacy) Nelson, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; grandchildren, Amanda Mahoski of Clive, Iowa, and Christopher (Twanice) Mahoski of Urbandale, Iowa, Nick Nelson of Aurora, Colorado, and Blake Nelson of Fort Collins, Colorado; great grandchildren, Jilly and Leighton of Urbandale; niece Dorothy Tellinghuisen of Boone, Iowa, and special family friend, Katie Eatock of Boone, Iowa.
Special thanks to the Staff at Eastern Star, the Boone County Hospital Cardiac Rehab Nurses, and his longtime physician, Dr. Brian Melhaus, for their outstanding care and friendship over the years.
Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church of Boone or the Boone County Humane Society. The Family believes the best way to honor Orvil’s legacy would be to donate your time by volunteering at your favorite community organization.
The Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone has handled the arrangements.
Orvil Nelson, Boone, Iowa
