Leroy 'Country' Nelson

LeRoy Delano Country', son of Sam and Gertrude (Minnich) Nelson, was born April 4, 1942 at Grand Meadow, MN. When he was nine years old, his mother died and he went to live with his aunt and uncle Arthur and Mae Nelson who lived near Guthrie Center, IA. He attended school in Guthrie Center. He worked for Anderson's Creamery for a short time. In June of 1961 Country was united in marriage with Carol Schroeter in Exira. Three children were born to this union. Country worked for the Red Cross in Omaha and then as a brick mason after attending school for that occupation. He also worked for the beef plant in Oakland. They lived mostly in the Exira and Walnut area and he had a construction company in Walnut. Later he moved to the Branson, MO area. In 1996 Country was united in marriage with Sandy Aumick. Country moved to the Kimballton area in 2001 to be closer to his family and retired in 2004. In his spare time he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, playing cards and fishing. He enjoyed his time with the Walnut Fire Department and the Kimballton Fire Department. In October of 2009 he was diagnosed with lung cancer and was able to live on his own until June of 2010, when he became a resident of Salem Lutheran Home. He died there on Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at the age of 68 years, 3 months and 10 days. Preceding him in death are both sets of parents and four siblings: Janice Nelson, as a child; another sister, in infancy; Richard Nelson and Roxanne Carlson. Country is survived by his three sons: Wade Nelson and wife Roxanne of Harlan; Chris Nelson and wife Wendy of LeRoy, IL and John Nelson and wife Erin of Downs, IL; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 8 siblings: Donald Nelson of Kellogg; Sharon Yennie of Rochester, MN; Shirley and husband Cecil Chilson of Bemidji, MN; John Nelson and wife Judy of New York Mills, MN; Leslie Nelson of Branson, MO; Terry Nelson and wife Marcia of Kimballton; Darrell Nelson of Tama; Dennis Nelson of Rochester, MN; 3 cousins with whom he was raised: Marilyn and husband Amos Royer of Lake Panorama; Madeline and husband Max Cline of Guthrie Center and James Nelson and wife Frances of Colorado; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Officiating Pastor Nancy Ross-Hullinger United Church of Avoca Recorded Music by Tim McGraw "The Cowboy In Me" "Live Like You Were Dying" Casket Bearers Patrick Nelson Cody Nelson Cory Bartz Josh Abel Brad Nelson Randy Poldberg Honorary Casket Bearers Jared Nelson Nicole Nelson Elizabeth Nelson Alliah Nelson Justin Nelson Jayda Nelson Dina Abel Dara Bartz