Obituary of Leland M. Nelsen

Leland M. Nelsen, 67 of North Liberty died Wednesday, January 17, 2007, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City, IA Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 24, 2007, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Parish Hall in Iowa City with the Reverend Rudolph Juarez officiating. A luncheon will follow services prior to going to the Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, IL for burial with full military honors. Visitation will be from 5 to 7pm Tuesday, January 23, 2007, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City where a parish vigil service will be held at 7pm. A memorial fund has been established in Leland’s memory. Online condolences may be sent for his family through our website @www.gayandciha.com. Leland Marlin Nelsen was born February 13, 1939, in Yankton, SD the son of Emanuel and Inga (Lyngstad) Nelsen. Following graduation from high school Leland attended college at Augusta College in Sioux Falls, SD and the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Following school he enlisted the United States Air Force, beginning a career that would span over thirty years. During this time he served in active duty during the Vietnam War. He retired from military service and moved from Colorado Springs, CO to Woonsocket, SD where he worked as a Physicians Assistant at the Whiting Memorial Clinic. Eight years ago he moved to the Iowa City area where he continued his work as a physician’s assistant at the Veterans Administration Hospital. Leland was married to Renate H. Freiherr, and later he married Kathleen Campbell Knigge on June 17, 1989 in Woonsocket, SD. In Woonsocket Leland was active with the American Legion, Fire Department, the EMT Director, and in the USAF Retired Officers Association. In Iowa City he and Kathleen are members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. His family includes his wife, Kathleen; son, Alexander Nelsen and his wife, Suzanne of Castle Rock, CO; daughter, Nancy Nelsen and her domestic partner, Seybourn Draper of Colorado Springs, CO; three grandchildren, Krysta, Shane, and Heather; brother, Burnell Nelsen and his wife, Geraldine of Wakonda, SD; and a sister, Marilyn Enger and her husband, Norman of Harrisburg, SD; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Doris Faye “Tootie” Booth and her husband, Virgil. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Leland’s family and his services.