Ritchie Funeral Home

Celebration of Life Services for Dean Nelson, age 89, of Lenox, who passed away Friday, April 22, 2016, at the Greater Regional Hospice Home will be held Tuesday, April 25, 2016, at 10:30 AM at the Lenox Christian Church.

Visitation will be held Monday, at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 will be held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be directed to the Lenox Christian Church. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Dean Earl Nelson was born July 20, 1926, in Clearfield, Iowa the son of Lyle E. Nelson and Bessie (House) Nelson. He grew up in the Clearfield area where he graduated from Clearfield High School with the Class of 1944. In January of 1945, he entered the United States Navy during World War II, serving until his honorable discharge in June of 1946. On November 30, 1947, he was united in marriage to Mildred May Wright at the Bedford Christian Church Parsonage. To this loving union, two children were born, Harold and Harriet.

Dean and Mildred made their home farming south of Clearfield, and in 1957, they purchased the family farm and moved northwest of Clearfield where they raised row crop, cattle and pigs. In April of 1981, they moved into Lenox because of health reasons. When they first moved to Lenox Dean sold real estate for Bob Reynolds for a few years. They enjoyed traveling when time allowed, having been to both coasts. He enjoyed fishing, attending his grandchildren's school events (one year he was voted 'Tiger Booster of the Year') and also attending the Taylor County Fair. Dean was a life-time member of the Parkinson American Legion in Lenox and the Creston VFW; the Lenox Christian Church; he served as a 4-H Leader for many years having been awarded 'Honorary 4-H Member'; and served on the Creston Dairy Board.

Preceding Dean in death are his parents, Lyle and Bessie Nelson and two sisters and their spouses, Darlene and Raymond Taylor and Thelma and Dale Brown.

Dean will be missed by his family and friends.
The memories shared throughout the years
will remain in our hearts forever.