"When I think of Viv, I think if caring, and of kindness. I will miss her. My deepest sympathy to her family. "
In loving memory of
Vivian Esther Nelson
November 25, 1932 - June 9, 2021
Livestream Vivian Nelson memorial service use this link: https://youtu.be/ox8SIggitgA
Vivian Esther Nelson died June 9, 2021, at Israel Hospice House in Ames, Iowa. Vivian was born in Hamilton County Iowa to John and Helen Tempel on November 25, 1932. She attended several rural elementary schools and graduated from Alden High School in 1950. She attended Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls and taught one year of elementary school in Liscomb, Iowa. She married Dean Nelson, her high school sweetheart, on January 23, 1953. They then moved to Washington State where Dean was Stationed with the USAF. They returned to Iowa in 1956 eventually settling in Ames where she and Dean were employed by Iowa State University. Vivian retired from the College of Business in 1996. In retirement she volunteered at the Ames Public Schools and at Mary Greeley Hospital where, until 2020, she worked at the Gift Shop and the Information Desk.
Vivian loved the outdoors, walking, biking, tending her flower beds, and traveling. She loved her grand-dogs and grand-cats as well as the pets of family friends. Vivian was always the optimist. She is survived by her loving husband Dean, her son Greg Nelson of Plano, Tx and daughter and son-in-law Cathy Nelson and Tom Cousens of Canton, GA.
Memorials may be sent to the First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ames, Iowa 50010.
A public visitation will be held on Monday, June 14, 2021, from 4-6:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010 with a memorial service held on Tuesday June 15, 2021, at 10:30 at First United Methodist Church 516 Kellogg Ames, Iowa 50010.
Online condolences may be made at www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"My heartfelt condolences to Dean and family. May all of you find comfort and peace in your memories of Vivian. I worked with Vivian at ISU and vividly remember her as a beautiful person - kind, positive, cheerful and caring at all times. It was always a pleasure, professionally and personally, to interact with her. Tom Chacko"
"Vivian was such a lovely person. Having worked with her in the College of Business for many years, I always found her to be a first rate professional - bright, efficient, warm, and positive. My deepest sympathy to Dean and her children. Ellen Holm "
"I worked with Vivian for several years at Iowa State. She was a lovely lady and wonderful colleague. I will miss her! Jan Stoehr"