Phil W. Nelson

Graveside services were held Thursday, Jan. 14 at the Milford Cemetery. Military for Phil W. Nelson, 63, of Milford, who passed away Sunday, Jan.10, 2010, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.

Rites were conducted the Milford American Legion Post 384.

Phil Wayne Nelson was born to George and Fern (Hill) Nelson at Cherokee on April 23, 1946. He graduated from Sutherland Public High School.

On May 20, 1966, he married Donna Ebel at Primghar and three children, Dawn, Ron and Todd were born to this union.

Phil served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966 to 1968. He served in Vietnam and Cuba. He enjoyed the outdoors, working in his yard and garden and spending time with his granddaughters.

Phil was employed by Vander Haags, Inc. in Spencer for many years. Failing health forced him to take an early retirement which was very difficult for him as he preferred being active and he truly enjoyed his work.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Dawn Schroder and her husband, Dan of Milford; son, Ron Nelson and his wife, Lisa of Spirit Lake; and three granddaughters, Jereca and Makala Schroder, and Kaitlyn Nelson. Survivors also include his sister, Marlene Osborn and her husband, Bruce of Cylinder and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Todd Nelson.