Darrell E. Nelson, 84, of Cherokee passed away on Saturday morning, Oct. 17, 2026, at Accura Healthcare of Aurelia.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cherokee. Burial was in Danway Cemetery at rural Kirkman, with military rites conducted by the Harlan American Legion Post #150. Boothby Funeral Home of Cherokee assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial to the Trinity Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran Pre-School.
Darrell Eugene Nelson was born on May 21, 1942, to Thomas and Lillie (Jensen) Nelson in Audubon County, and spent his childhood on a farm near Irwin. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Irwin. He graduated from Irwin High School with the Class of 1960. After graduation he joined the Iowa National Guard and faithfully served his country for 20½ years earning the rank of Platoon Sergeant. During these years he was employed by the Iowa Department of Transportation in maintenance, retiring after 35 years. He also worked for Hy-Vee Distribution Center for a short time.
On Nov. 14, 1997, he married Donna Main at St. Paul Lutheran Church. He enjoyed collecting antiques, especially old farm toys, golfing, fishing, playing cards and feeding the neighborhood squirrels. He loved spending time with his family and friends and telling a few good jokes. He enjoyed his travels around the U.S., Mexico and South Korea. He enjoyed driving his 1940 Ford in parades and was a lifelong blood donor. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Preceding him in death were his parents; mother-in-law Lorna; sister-in-law Bonnie and her husband Bill Joines; brothers-in-law: John Erickson, John Christensen and Vernon Brue.
Darrell is survived by his wife Donna of Cherokee; sons: Jeff (Penny) Nelson of Harlan; Scott (Katie) Nelson of Mason City; daughter Shelly (Jim) Vesper of Kellogg; grandchildren: Shelby (Dylan) Book, Alex (Becky) Nelson, Blake Nelson, Jacob Nelson and Grace Vesper; great-grandchildren: Craten, Mavrik, Emmett and Madden Book and Chloe Nelson; sisters, Verna Christensen and Linda Brue, both of Harlan; along with many nieces and nephews.
