Lana Rae Nelson

Lana Rae Nelson, age 78, of Fredericksburg, IA, died on Friday, October 23, 2026, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo, IA.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2026, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Fredericksburg, with Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Interment will be held at West Fork Cemetery, rural Dougherty, IA.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2026, before the funeral service at the funeral home in Fredericksburg.

Lana Rae Nelson was born on March 26, 1948, in Elma, Iowa, the daughter of Clifton and Daveline (Ackerson) Todd. Lana grew up in Iowa and graduated from New Hampton High School, carrying with her the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance that would guide her throughout her life.

Lana was united in marriage to Roger Rahlf, and together they were blessed with three sons, Robert, William, and James. Though the couple later divorced, Lana remained devoted to her children and took great pride in her role as a mother. Her love for her sons was a constant in her life, and she cherished the family they built together. Later, Lana was introduced to Glenn Nelson, and the two were married on May 14, 1983, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Their marriage brought companionship, shared purpose, and a life filled with adventure.

Lana and Glenn worked side by side as over-the-road truck drivers, hauling loads throughout the continental United States. Together they saw much of the country and shared countless experiences that became treasured memories. Lana loved life on the road and embraced the freedom and movement that came with it. She spent her career traveling, and she especially enjoyed the sense of purpose that came from being on the move. She retired from the road in 1992, and afterward she continued to stay active by working part-time at a restaurant, where she enjoyed keeping busy and staying connected with others.

In her free time, Lana found joy in sewing and quilting, and she dedicated much of her time to creating beautiful things for the people she loved. Her hands were rarely idle, and her work reflected the care and patience she put into everything she did. She also enjoyed tending to her interests at home, taking pleasure in her cats, who were truly part of her family. She appreciated vacations and day trips around the local area, and she found happiness in simple outings and shared experiences. Time spent with her grandchildren and family was especially precious to her, and she treasured every opportunity to be with them.

Lana will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, wife, and friend. She lived a life marked by dedication, resilience, and affection for those around her. Her family and friends will hold close the memories of her laughter, her strong spirit, and the many ways she showed her love through everyday acts of care and devotion.

Lana is survived by one son, James (Sara) Rahlf of New Hampton, IA; eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; one brother, Douglas (Esther) Montgomery of Charles City, IA; one sister-in-law, Leanne Rahlf of Waterloo, IA; along with several half-brothers and sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glenn, in 2013; two sons, Robert and William Rahlf; one brother, Rick Steffen; along with several half-brothers and sisters.