Herbert F. Nelson

Herbert Franklin Nelson was born on January 14, 1929, to Clarence C. and Margaret (Georgeson) Nelson at Greenleaf Farm near Fiscus, Iowa. He was the youngest of three children in the family.

Growing up, he attended Polk #7 Country School and graduated from Harlan High School in 1946. His faith became an important part of his life when he accepted Christ as his Savior at a tent meeting at Merrill’s Grove Baptist Church in 1940. He was baptized in 1941 and became a member of the church.

Love and family were central to his life. He met Marjorie Mae Christiansen at the Norgaard Soda Fountain in Harlan, and the couple was united in marriage on February 24, 1949. Together, they were blessed with five children: Frederick, Ricky, Jeffrey, Lisa and Lori.

A lifelong farmer, Herb began farming in 1947. Throughout his farming career, he experienced both lean years and times of prosperity. In 1954, he was among the first to raise soybeans and haul them to Ralston, Iowa, to market them because there was no local market. He took great pride in raising high-quality cattle, making many trips to the Omaha Stockyards.

In 1953, he purchased the first diesel tractor in the neighborhood. A couple of the neighbors thought he should buy a John Deere, to which Herb replied, “Not until they come with a foot clutch.” So, in 1963, he bought a new one. He continued farming until 2006 but remained active in farm management and marketing and continued working alongside his grandson, James. He sold his last bushel of corn on August 12, 2026. Herb was innovative and willing to embrace new technology. He was dedicated to preserving the land for future generations.

Beyond the farm, he was active in his community and served on several boards throughout the years. His faith continued to guide him, and he was a member of Merrill’s Grove Baptist Church of Fiscus and First Baptist Church in Elk Horn, where he served as a senior high Sunday school teacher, trustee and deacon. In later years, Herb and Marjorie attended Atlantic E Free Church, as well as Bethany E Free Church near Brayton. The couple also enjoyed spending over 20 years wintering in Alamo, Texas, where they became part of the Bibleville community.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Herb passed away at the Exira Care Center, having attained the age of 97 years, 7 months and 4 days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Lori Nelson; son, Jeff Nelson; brother, Laverne Nelson; sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn (Marion) Olsen; and sister-in-law, Marian Nelson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Marjorie Nelson of Exira; son, Fred (Susan) Nelson of Audubon; son, Rick (Sheri) Nelson of Spencer; daughter, Lisa (Brian) Petersen of Rochester, Minnesota; and daughter-in-law, Lori Hilsabeck of Slater; nine grandchildren: Kris (Amy Lynne) Nelson, Amy (Brian) Bolton, Jeppe (Dani) Nelson, James (Anna) Nelson, Sarah Petersen (Nate Dorder), Estee Hilsabeck (Lucas Mortensen), Andrea (Gabe) Orem, Jenna (Luke) Wilmer and Reed (Ruby) Petersen; 21 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Nelson of Audubon; extended family members and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., all at Bethany E Free Church in Brayton, Iowa. Burial will be held in Merrill’s Grove Cemetery near Fiscus.