Obituary of Grant Nelson

Grant Nelson, age 77 of North Liberty died Saturday, November 27, 2004, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City following a lengthy illness of congestive heart failure. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3 to 7 pm Wednesday, December 1, 2004 at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Burial will be at a later date at the Columbus City, Iowa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Grant’s memory. Online condolences may be sent for his family through our website @www.gayandciha.com. Mr. Nelson was born September 27, 1927 in What Cheer, Iowa the son of Perry Franklin Nelson and Sarah Jane (James) Nelson. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. Grant had attended barber school in Davenport, farmed with his father-in-law, did carpentry work, drove a school bus, and served as a volunteer firefighter, and for over twenty-one years worked as a research technician in the Research Department of the University of Iowa. Grant was married to Elsie Strausser, later divorcing, he married JoAnn Palmer on July 7, 1981. His family includes his wife, JoAnn; son, Ron Nelson of North Liberty; daughter, Kay Nelson of North Liberty; brothers, Larry Nelson of Forest City, Iowa, and Perry Nelson and his wife, Vanna of Hanlontown, Iowa; other family members including Denise Rowan, James Burton, Bonnie and Mark McGibbins, Lynn Hansen Melvin and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, brothers, Edward, Francis, and Marian; sister, Anne Norton, and daughter-in-law, Marsha Gifford. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Grant’s family and his services.