L. Eugene Nelson

l. eugene nelson
L. Eugene Nelson, age 83 of Fredericksburg, Iowa died Thursday, September 26, 2013, at his home. Memorial services will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, OCTOBER 5, 2013, at the United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg with Rev. Mike Christie officiating. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Gene was born February 28, 1930, in St. Croix, Wisconsin, the younger of two children of Leon and Flora (Smith) Nelson. After graduating from high school in Glenwood City, Wisconsin, Gene joined the U.S. Army. He then attended the University of Wisconsin before moving to Fredericksburg in 1952, where he met his future wife Grace Upham on November 11, 1956. They became the first couple to be married in the (new) United Methodist Church. To this union were born a son, Keith, and a daughter, Lynn. Gene worked for the United States Postal Service for 37 years, retiring in 1997. Stamp collecting was a special hobby. Gene, Grace and their children traveled the United States widely, visiting 47 states. Gene and Grace visited the remaining three states, as well as all seven continents. They shared their love of travel with grandchildren Sandra and Zach Nelson through educational trips throughout the United States and Canada. They related stories of their travels to audiences at schools and other organizations. Gene became a Charter Member of the local Lions Club in 1955. He held various offices in the club, and became District Governor in 1965. He received many awards for his service to the organization, including the Ralph A. Whitten Service Award; the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Service; and the Lions Club International Foundation Award. A Master Gardener (ISU Extension) and dedicated volunteer, Gene was actively involved in numerous projects at local and state levels. Of special significance to him was the Butterfly Garden at Mattke Park. He conceived, created, and maintained the garden for several years. At the state level, Gene was an Ambassador for Trees Forever. As a result of Gene’s yearly grant writing and planting of trees, Fredericksburg was named a Tree City, USA, for 11 consecutive years. In 1995, the Iowa Urban and Community Forestry Council named Gene the Iowa Outstanding Community Forestry Volunteer, for his dedication to the urban forests of his community and state. Locally, Gene was honored for numerous projects by the Fredericksburg Garden Club and by the Chickasaw County Conservation Board. Gene enjoyed working with Fredericksburg students teaching them about plants and nature. Additionally, he served on the Fredericksburg Town Council from 1975-1979, was a top blood donor in Chickasaw County with more than 9 gallons donated, and was a Charter Member of the Upper Iowa Audubon Society. Gene greatly enjoyed sports. He was a Club Champion of the Fredericksburg Golf Course and President at the time of the Club’s opening. He was scorekeeper for home Fredericksburg High School basketball games for 28 years and timekeeper for FHS football games for 47 years. He was also a runner and a cyclist, completing RAGBRAI six times. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Grace; daughter Lynn, St. Louis Park, MN; son Keith (Lori), Mesa, AZ; grandchildren Sandra and Zachary, Gilbert, AZ; and sister Norma (Wallace) Hammerberg, Ellison Bay, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Flora (Smith) Nelson Dickie, and by his step-father, Albert Dickie.

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  1. Grace, We want to offer you our sympathy. We enjoyed knowing you both and how you shared your travel memories with us. He also was a good member of the ‘Lions’. He was truly a good man. Sincerely, Stan and Ginny Laures

  2. I will always remember Uncle Gene as a kind, compassionate, and sincere man who took interest in our lives and always had a smile on his face and such a calming presence. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! -Kurt

  3. To Grace and family, I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am to have known Gene. He was truly an incredible person and has undeniably left a positive impact on my life. Growing up, I would normally see Gene and Grace once a year or two, whenever we would have family get-togethers at Grandma and Grandpa’s house in Door County. Regardless of the time between visits, he ALWAYS showed an interest in my life and we always had great conversations. That really made me feel special. I will never forget Gene’s voice, those big strong hands, and his sincerity. Blessings to you and your family during the healing process. Love, Karl

  4. To Grace and family, Nearly 14 years ago I had the good fortune to meet Gene and son Keith on RAGBRAI. Those were wonderful days. There was also a time when Gene and Grace opened up their backyard for a garden tour (one of many they offered I am sure). It was beautiful. Bob Scott was just telling me about Gene this summer on RAGBRAI. You have my deepest sympathy and hold tight to all of the wonderful memories.

  5. To Grace, Keith and Lynn- Gene’s gift to all will be his contagious attention of the natural world and how he worked towards its betterment. A true land steward, educator, a lover of nature and all things wild, his legacy is leaving the place in better shape than he found it. How fitting he saw it important to display a drawing of a weathered tree at his ceremony. Our son, Erik who drew the tree years ago,feels it a true tribute to Gene and his love of trees. I can assume Gene enjoyed daily the trees, animals, birds, weather and customers he saw on his postal route. What a great way for him to enjoy life- a rural postman who watched for trees! ‘One could do worse than be a lover of trees’. Thinking of you at this time of Gene’s celebration. – Jim Eagleman

  6. Grace, Keith and Lynn, I feel truly blessed to have had a wonderful man as Gene for an uncle. He was always so interested in us growing up. And this continued throughout the different stages of my life. He was truly interested and wanted to be kept up to date. I will always remember his wonderful laugh and voice. And that twinkle in his eye. I always remember loving to hear him talk and hear his stories. He was always so upbeat, positive and passionate. Gene fought this final battle with dignity and courage. He demonstrated incredible strength. A true inspiration! Blessings to during this healing process! You are in our thoughts and prayers, Kay and JIm

  7. Grace and family, When I was growing up, I can still see Gene wearing his ‘postal’ shorts and remember him from the neighborhood and at the Post Office. He always had a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gene will be missed. Bonnie

  8. Grace & family- May the many wonderful memories of Gene be an inspiration to you now. Gene was one of our first volunteers at the UNI Biology greenhouse- dedicated to plants yes; but a very special inspiration to the student workers- and their bosses! I will always remember Gene’s smile, laughter & wit. I’m so glad that he shared his gardens with the crew…..that he ( said he) shot rabbits.. .that he crashed our wedding!! You are in our thoughts & prayers! Leila George Scharff & Ed

  9. I am so sorry for your loss. May the outpouring of sympathy, the kind acts of friends and strangers, as well as your memories give you comfort to help you endure the days ahead. The Bible also offers comfort. “For God is near to those broken at heart. “ Ps 34:17,18. Our Creator promises that there will soon be a time when “death will be no more.” Revelation 21:4. I hope this brings you comfort.

  10. Dear Grace and family. My deepest sympathy and love. Gene was a real neat guy and I learned a lot from him about gardening and flowers. Gene will be missed and it will be difficult to fill his shoes. God Bless. A friend and Master Gardener Garnetta Snyder

  11. Grace and Family, I will always remember Gene as the #1 volunteer for the UNI Botanical Center. I always loved working in the greenhouses with him, trading stories of successes and failures of plants and flowers, and sharing a good laugh. Sent with love and remembrance of Gene. I will miss him.

  12. Lynn ~ My deepest and sincerest sympathies to you and your family. Reading through the lovely words of those who knew your dad is a true testament to what a wonderful man he was. May these memories help comfort you. PJ

  13. We will remember Gene as a great guy always doing so much landscaping for our little town and Mattke park. He always helped us so much when we had questions about flowers and trees. He was always at the LIONS pancake breakfast and we will miss him. Our sympathy..Roger and Margo Pleggenkuhle

  14. It is with our deepest sympathy that we remember the Nelson family in the loss of their loved one and one of God’s great servants. Gene gave so much of himself to his family, the community, the school and the beautification of nature for all to see. I personally will miss the many conversions with Gene, as we discussed many topics regarding sports. A tireless worker, he dedicated many hours to the youth of Fredericksburg, teaching them about nature, volunteering to operate the football scoreboard, and tending to the official basketball score book for literally hundreds of games. Those are just a few of the many community service projects he so willingly gave up his time for. A great role model who will be missed by so many. God Bless, Steve and Linda Staker and family

  15. Dear Grace, Lynn, Keith, our thoughts and prayers are with you all…..Gene has blessed so many lives in oh so many ways; he was still teaching his final week of his life, proud to show us the amazing yet subtle difference between the beautiful maple trees in his yard. His quiet strength and humility have enhanced our church, our schools and our community. May these special gifts he so freely shared with others be a source of strength, peace & comfort to you all. With our love & sympathy, Francie, Steve & family

  16. Gene was a great role model, he cared for his community and the kids in it. We were lucky to know him and his gentle ways. He will be missed by many, but free from all his pain now. Your family has our deepest sympathy. Laure Bouska, Tracy Craun and the S-F Lucky Clovers 4H group

  17. Nelson Family — Our thoughts and prayers are with yall during this difficult time. I remember Gene when growing up and believing in me to take care of their plants and lawn while they were on vacations. I have many great memories with Gene, but know he will be missed. Donald Broer and Family

  18. I loved growing up in our church with Gene. What a great guy to know and be around. I have great memories of him and feel blessed he was part of my life. Thanks Gene, you will be missed. -Shane Staker

  19. Grace, Lynn, Keith, and the rest of the Nelson family- We have so many fond memories of good times with Gene. He will be missed by so many people, a real tribute to the contributions he made to this community. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Bryan and Marilyn O’Day


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