George Peter Christian Nelsen

George Peter Christian Nelsen, the son of Kristian Peter and Anna Marie (Leander) Nelsen, was born February 28, 1923, at his Aunt Lizzie’s home in Brayton, Iowa and died June 10, 2017, at the Salem Lutheran Homes, in Elk Horn, Iowa at the age of 94 years, 3 months, and 12 days.
George was baptized and confirmed. He attended rural schools south of Brayton, Iowa and then helped operate the family farm. In 1940 at the age 17, George enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his tour of duty he saw action in the Algerian, Tunisian, and Italian Campaigns receiving three bronze battle stars. George volunteered to be in the 1st Ranger Battalion which was formed in Scotland and they were trained by British Commandos. He was honorably discharged on June 11, 1945 and returned to the Exira area.
On March31, 1946, he was united in marriage to Lois Noreen Wahlert in Troy, Kansas. They were blessed with two children Sandra Kay and Michael Edward. Together purchasing a farm south of Exira in Exira Township, Audubon County, they grew row crops and raised livestock for 55 years before selling the farm and retiring to Atlantic, Iowa in 2001. Both enjoyed their new home and retired living together, before Lois passed away October 11, 2004. George continued to live at home until he moved to the Salem Lutheran Homes in Elk Horn, Iowa in April of 2017.
George was a member of the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira, Iowa. He was an avid reader enjoying books and newspapers. George enjoyed playing cards, gardening, and attending Ranger Reunions. But most of all he loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.
Preceding him in death was his wife Lois Nelsen; his daughter Sandra K. Nelsen; his parents; his brothers and sisters: Sylvia and husband Herbert Rattenborg, Joanne and husband Claude Lasly, Daniel and Nellie Nelsen, Jackie Nelsen, and Iola Nelsen; his brothers-in-law Art and wife Wynona Andersen and Howard Whittfield.
Survivors include his son Michael and wife Debbie Nelsen of Lathrop, Missouri, his grandchildren Andrew and wife Sarah Nelsen and Ashley Nelsen all of Washington, D.C., and Meridith and husband Edwin Stanton of Siesta Key, Florida; his great grandson Liam Nelsen of Washington, D.C.; his brother Willis Nelsen of Exira, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family will meet with friends Wednesday evening, June 14, 2017, at 6:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Steven Frock on Thursday morning June 15, 2017, at 10:30 A.M. at the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira, Iowa. Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery in Exira. The casket bearers will be Mike Nelsen, Andrew Nelsen, Edwin Stanton, David Grady, Gabe Grady, and Kevin Anderson.