Obituaries : D. Harold Nelson

D. Harold Nelson

VINTON – D. Harold Nelson, 69, died Friday, December 9, 2011, at his residence in Vinton.

A memorial visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2011, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton. At 2:00 p.m., Rev. Connie Wacht will share scripture and words of comfort with Harold’s family and friends. Inurnment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton.

Harold was born July 16, 1942, in Vinton, Iowa, the son of Donald Earl and Vera Maria Kofoed Nelson. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1964 with a BA in History. He received his Master’s degree in 1966 from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He taught history at a small college in Michigan until he left work to focus on academic pursuits. He worked part-time for many years at The Accident Fund in Lansing, Michigan, prior to his retirement in 2002.

Harold enjoyed being outdoors and hiked daily. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He was active in politics and was a member of the local Democratic Party. He was a frequent contributor to local newspapers with guest columns and letters to the editor.

Harold is survived by his niece, Dr. Elizabeth Streeter of Walker; nephews Scott and Jeff Streeter of Chowchilla, CA; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sandra Streeter.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Amnesty International.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Harold and his family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.