"To Snook's family, So sorry to hear the bad news. I always enjoyed trucking with him when we worked at Umthun's. I am the one he bought the red truck from... We are sending our deepest sympathy.. Gary and Ila Buker "
In loving memory of
Earl L. Nelson
November 5, 1944 - June 10, 2012
Earl (Snook) Lynn Nelson was born November 5, 1944, at Clarion, Iowa, to Gerald and Bernice (Thompson) Nelson. Earl attended Boone Valley High School then was drafted into the United States Army. He served from May, 1966 to May, 1968, in France and Germany. Following his honorable discharge, Snook worked as a cheese maker in Orchard, Nebraska and hauled milk. On June 12, 1969, he was united in marriage to Dian Helmer in Pierce, Nebraska. The couple moved to Renwick in 1971, and Snook worked for Pioneer Cheese Company and farmed. Later he and his wife Dian started their own cheese making business in Garner, Iowa. Snook won several awards for cheese making while in business. In 1989, he began trucking for Umthun Trucking Co. of Ft. Dodge and later Decker Trucking and won awards for safe driving. Snook enjoyed fishing, camping, waterskiing and spending time sitting on his picnic table visiting with friends and neighbors. He was a huge Elvis Presley fan. Snook was a long time member of the United Methodist Church in Renwick.
Snook died on Sunday morning, June 10, 2012, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 67.
Survivors include his daughter Cari Sisson of Goldfield, and son Corey and wife Carrie of Grimes, Iowa, as well as four grandchildren, Jena, Caden, Rylynn and Coltyn. Also surviving is sister, Beverly and husband Leo Lester of Goldfield, Iowa, sister Shirley and husband Ernie Gudenschawer of Orchard, Nebraska, sister Diane Lawson of Leon, Iowa, and brother, Bernard Nelson and wife Anne of Renwick, Iowa and special friend Eldon Walter. Snook was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dian in January, 2000, and brother-in-law, Gary Lawson.
Tributes
"I grew up with the Nelson family and was in the same class at BV with Shirley. I consider all them more like brothers and sisters than cousins. My sincerest condolences go out to them all at this time of their loss. Although I did not know Snook's son and daughter and their families...my whole hearted sympathies for them also. JIM WESTFALL"
"Really sorry Cory and Cari and the rest of the family. I'll be thinking of you all. Heck of a guy--I never had a bad time being around Snook Nelson. Sincerely, Kevin Nelson "
"my sympathies to cousin snooks family. i spent alot of time at my aunt and uncles home in my younger years as shirley and i are the same age and didn't live very far from them at the time."
"I spent a lot of time at Snook's house growing up. I'll never forget him shooting hook shots at the "Nelson Forum" (usually in his slippers) and his love of those dang Boston Celtics! My thoughts/prayers are with his entire family, especially to Corey, Carrie, Rylynn and Colton. Stay strong, my friend!"
"Sympathy to the "Snook" Nelson family. I graduated with "Snook" in 1962 at Boone Valley. Enjoyed going through school with him. The Class of 62 just celebrated their 50th Class Reunion on the weekend of June 2nd. A lot of history has transpired in our lives since high school graduation. I now live in McAllen, Texas. May God grant you peace and comfort at this time. "
"Cari, Jena and Caden
I'm very sorry for the loss of your Father and Grandfather!
My thougths and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow! "