Millard Orvie Nelson

Millard Orvie Nelson of Decorah, formerly of Clermont, Iowa, went to his eternal home on September 7th, 2024. Millard was born September 29, 1930, the eldest of three children born to Millard Sr. and Myrtle Moon Nelson. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at West Clermont Lutheran Church where he was a lifetime member. Millard served on church council, sang in the choir, helped with youth activities, and was an active member of the Lutheran Brotherhood men’s group.

Millard was a lifetime farmer caring for crops and livestock. He showed his love for the land by planting thousands of trees, building miles of terraces, utilizing no-till farming and numerous other conservation practices. Millard was active with the Fayette County Farm Bureau, serving on the board as treasurer, vice president and president. As part of his community contributions, he served on the boards of the Valley School District, Farm Service, and Postville State Bank. Millard was respected as an honest and honorable gentleman in all his business and social circles.

After full-time farming, Millard began golfing regularly with friends, woodworking as his father had, and continuing to read for both business and pleasure. Together with LaVonne, he enjoyed square dancing and traveling. They traveled across the United States and abroad, often visiting friends they had hosted through exchange programs. In later years they traveled in their motorhome to Arizona and California where they renewed connections with family and friends during the winter months.

Millard and LaVonne devoted much of their time and love to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; encouraging their many interests and attending their varied activities. The family enjoyed several memorable vacations together and have held annual reunions at Camp EWALU for many years. In 2014 they sold their country home and their motorhome and moved to Traditions in West Union. In 2018 they moved to Decorah for their final years.

Millard is survived by his four children, Ann (Ron) Rowland of Des Moines, Linda (Mic) Martin of Decorah, Mark (Denise) Nelson of Clermont, and Laurie (Jim) Biedermann of Decorah; grandchildren, Karin (Jason) Martin-Hiner, Carie (Cory) Fisher, Andrew (Valarie) Rowland, Claire Martin, Seth (Carrie) Rowland, Bridget Berns (John Dundee), Kirstin (Cody) Lerch, Scott (Mary) Biedermann, Nathan Rowland, and Chad Nelson (Sabrina Stenson); thirty great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, LaVonne; his parents, Millard Sr. and Myrtle Nelson; a brother, John Nelson; a sister, Judith Fossen; a grandson, Bryce Biedermann; grandson-in-law, Brad Berns; two nephews, Thomas and James Fossen; and a foster son, Charles Mancil.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, September 27 at West Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont Iowa. There will also be a visitation from 10:00 am to 11:30 am before services at the church on Saturday.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at West Clermont Lutheran Church with Rev. Mike Erickson as the officiant.

Memorials may be directed to The Millard and LaVonne Nelson scholarship at Luther College, West Clermont Lutheran Church, Camp EWALU, or any charity of your choice.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa is assisting the family.

Click here to visit the Schutte-Grau Funeral Home website.