Harold R. Nelson

Harold Robert Nelson, 97, of Sioux City, IA, formerly of Rosalie, NE, died on Sunday, February 20, 2022, in Sioux City, IA.  Funeral services for Harold will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft.  The visitation will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE.  Burial with military honors will be at the Bancroft Cemetery in Bancroft, NE.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Harold was born on the family farm on November 19, 1924, the son of K. John and Esther (Johnson) Nelson.  Following his graduation from Rosalie High School in Rosalie, NE in 1942, Harold enlisted in the United States Navy.  During his time in the Navy, he attended flight school on the west coast and Alaska. Harold was the Regimental Wrestling Champion of the Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned home to the farm.  In his own words, Harold was a “farmer by day and selective romancer at night.”  On August 24, 1947, he was united in marriage to Betty McFarlin.  Together they raised eight children and farmed near Bancroft.  Harold was active in the community and within his church.  He was known by his family and friends as a jokester. 

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Betty of Sioux City, IA; children, Judy Veazey of Oklahoma City, OK, Cindy (Kevin) Wilkins of Alamosa, CO, Penny (Dale) Bengston of Hordville, NE, Lori (Pedro) Garcia of Crosby, TX, Peggy (Tim) Girard of Sioux City, IA, J.J. Nelson of Indianapolis, IN; sixteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Larry Nelson, and Gale Nelson; grandchildren, Patrick and Stacie Nelson; three brothers; and two sisters.