Obituary of Robert William Nelson

Robert William Nelson, 74, formerly of Mediapolis, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024, at the Bird House Hospice Home in Iowa City. He was born October 22, 1949, in Burlington to Paul Robert and Ethel Elaine (Trostle) Nelson, the third of seven children.

Bob and Dale J. Pfafflin, the love of his life, were united in marriage on December 18, 1971, at the First United Methodist Church in Mediapolis.

He graduated from Mediapolis High School in 1968, Southeastern Community College in 1970, and Coleman College in San Diego in 1974.

Bob was drafted into the United States Army and served in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star.

He retired from the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown after 34 years as a Systems Analyst.

Bob was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church in Mediapolis and served on the Mediapolis Fire Department for many years. His hobbies included the Iowa Hawkeyes, boating, gardening, hunting, fishing, and especially time with family.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Dale J. Nelson, North Liberty; two sons, Joshua (Tanya) Nelson, Maple Grove, MN, and Cody (Vanessa) Nelson, Amman, Jordan; eight grandchildren, Olivia, Parker, Brandon, Maddie, Eleanor, Simone, Beatrice, and Andre; three sisters, Vicky Rechkemmer, Burlington, Jan (Wes) Zimmerman, Waterloo, Mary (Russ) Smith, Burlington, and Linda (Scott) Jones, Tampa, FL; and two brothers, Jim Nelson, Colorado Springs, CO, and Tom (Darla) Nelson, Mediapolis; two sisters-in-law, Dana Johnston, Burlington, and Emily Alberda, Charleston, WV; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and a large circle of  family and friends who will miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, mother-in-law Carol Hippe, brother-in-law Mark Pfafflin, and father-in-law Donald Pfafflin.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City is assisting the family with arrangements. His body has been donated to the University of Iowa for medical research.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in the summer of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS, or The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County, PO Box 3338, Iowa City, IA 52244-3338. Cards may be sent to Dale J. Nelson, 105 East Tartan Drive, North Liberty, IA 52317.