Robert D. Nelson

Robert D. Nelson, 93, of Mason City, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N Pennsylvania, with Pastor Beverly Butler officiating. Interment will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time on Tuesday. Military honors will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association. Memorials may be directed to MercyOne North Iowa Hospice and Trinity Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

To watch Bob's service, click here: Bob's service.

Robert Dean Nelson was born on April 17, 1932, to parents Leonard and Edith (Halverson) Nelson in Forest City. Bob played basketball for Forest City High School, helping the team land as runner-up in the state tournament in 1949, before he graduated in 1950. Shortly after graduating, Bob was drafted in the United States Army, serving in Korea from 1953 to 1954. Bob returned home after being honorably discharged.

He was united in marriage to Kathleen Blanshan on July 18, 1955, in Forest City. To this union, the couple were blessed with three children.

Bob and Kathy moved to Mason City in 1958, working first for Montgomery Ward, then Morris Paint for several years. After this, Bob was employed at KMART as a Department Manager for 23 years, until his retirement in 1994.

In his free time, Bob enjoyed watching sporting events, especially basketball, football, and baseball. As a season ticketholder for the Hawkeyes, Bob took great joy in watching his favored team play. He enjoyed playing softball with his adult league, as well as golfing, and he was proud of his hole-in-one. He loved traveling with Kathy, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Bob enjoyed coaching Little League, attending band concerts, and other sporting events. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Kathy Nelson; his three children, Michael Nelson, Carmen Humburg, and Mark Nelson; five grandchildren, Jacob and Lucas Humburg, Erin Dohlman, Elisa (Ryley) Holmes, and Emilee (AJ Reems) Nelson-Reems; two great-grandchildren, Olivia and Jovie Reems; sister, Betty Nelson; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Eldean Nelson.