Representative Fred William Nelson View All Years

FRED W. NELSON

MR. PRESIDENT: Your committee appointed to prepare a suitable memorial commemorating the life, character and public service of the late Honorable Fred W. Nelson of Nevada, Iowa, begs leave to submit the following report:

Fred W. Nelson, Senator from the Thirty-first district, composed of Boone and Story Counties, was born April 7, 1886, in Story County, Iowa. He received his early education in the rural schools and later at Highland Park College at Des Moines, Iowa, and at Iowa State College. He was married to Edna R. Smith, February 22, 1911, and to this union was born four children: Avis Vere, Richard F., Robert L., and Donald L.

He served as township clerk eighteen years, as board member of the Story County Farm Bureau four years, treasurer three years, and president three years. He was a member of the Nevada Lodge No. 99, A. F. and A. M., and was master of that order in 1926, and was also member of O.E.S. He served as a member and president of the North Grant Consolidated school board, and was a board member of the Farmers Elevator Company and served on the Farmers Grain Dealers Association of Iowa. He was a member of Nevada Rotary Club for at least twenty years at Nevada, Iowa. He was awarded master farmer medal, January 13, 1927. He was a member of the Memorial Lutheran Church at Nevada, Iowa.

He was elected State Representative in 1928 and 1930 and State Senator in 1932 from the Boone and Story County District. He was appointed by the Governor and served as a member of the State Tax Commission from 1939 to 1945. He was president of the Story County Mutual Fire Insurance Company at the time of his death. He departed this life on the 13th day of October, 1950.

He had a wide variety of interests and was an outstanding farmer and expert on tax matters. His keen interest in public affairs caused him to devote many years of his life to public service. While he rendered outstanding service to his community, state and county, he was a loyal friend and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. His was a record of untiring service for the good things in life and his example will long be remembered by all who knew him.

Fred W. Nelson was a man who had adopted as his motto these words, “I serve.”

Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the Fifty-fourth General Assembly: That in the passing of the Honorable Fred W. Nelson the state has lost a valuable and honored citizen a man who devoted many years of his life to public service.

Be It Further Resolved: That a copy of this memorial resolution be printed in the Journal of the Senate and that the Secretary be directed to send an enrolled copy to the members of the family of the deceased.

JOHN R. HATTERY,

FRANK C. BYERS,

LEO ELTHON,

Committee.

The resolution was unanimously adopted.