Dennis Harley Nelson

August 30, 1949 - September 23, 2016

Dennis Harley "Nels" Nelson, 67, of Humboldt, IA, passed away Friday, September 23, 2016, at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home at Fort Dodge, IA, following a short illness. Known to family and his many friends as Denny or Nels, he was born August 30, 1949 at Fort Dodge, to Gilbert Harley, and Gladys (Larsen) Nelson, and grew up on the family farm near Rutland, IA. He attended Twin Rivers Community schools, graduating in 1967. Throughout these formative years he was actively involved in 4H, and a variety of sports and school-related activities. Following graduation, he attended Waldorf College at Forest City, IA, and later was employed in technical production with the Control Data Corporation in Bloomington, MN, and as a lineman with the Chicago/Northwestern Railroad in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN area. In 1975, he returned home to assist his parents with operation of the family farm which included cattle and hog production. On August 26, 1978, he was joined in marriage to Debra Ann Pentico at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Bode, IA, and together they continued to farm for several years. In the following years, he owned and operated Poor Boy's Roadhouse in Bode, and later worked in logistics and supply-chain management until his retirement. Dennis loved to have a good time, evident by his long-time involvement in community activities, league sports, and social gatherings. Golf, trap-shooting, fishing and barbeque were his passions. He was a charter member and officer of FunHogs, Inc., organizing many of their sponsored-events, as well as helping to organize the earliest ABATE rallys, and a number of fun-events for town celebrations. He had a thoughtful, kind and generous heart, and made deep and lasting friendships. He was never too busy to lend a hand to family and friends when it was needed. Above all, Dennis was a devoted husband and proud father. He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant son Christian Harley. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, son Dane Michael of Colorado Springs, CO, sister Jan Nelson of Urbandale, IA, and many relatives and good friends. A Prayer gathering with Reverend Jim Borlaug for family and friends will be from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, and Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt, IA. Private burial will be held at St. Olaf Cemetery the following day. The family requests in lieu of flowers and memorials that donation be made to the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home, 2630 9th Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.