Jerry Nelson

     Jerry Nelson, age 60, of Waucoma, IA, died on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, IA.      Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at the Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA, with Rev. David Sorenson and Rev. Bryan Robertson presiding.      Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Monday, March 30, 2015, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel, 202 South Washington Street, Calmar, IA, and also after 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday morning at the church.        Lester Jerome “Jerry” Nelson, Sr., was born on June 12, 1954, the son of Clifford and Racine (Pulse) Nelson in Sacramento, California. Jerry moved with his family to Calmar and graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1972. After high school, Jerry worked as a barber in California and drove for United Van Lines. He worked for ten years at Jennerjohn-Holthaus Well Drilling, retiring one year ago due to health problems. Jerry enjoyed playing cards, camping, fishing, riding his Harley and going on Corvette cruises. He enjoyed having a good time with family and friends. Jerry was a member of the Calmar Corvette Club.      Jerry is survived by his three children: Samantha (Robert) Coonradt, Fayette, IA; Chandee (Stacey Kraft) Kraft, Hiawatha, IA; and Jerry Nelson, Jr., Cedar Rapids, IA. Nine grandchildren: Erik Nelson, Marckus Nelson-Timm, Ckaiden Coonradt, Ckeelie Coonradt, Jonathan Gonzalez, Chyanne Airhart, Lilly Airhart, Madelyn Airhart, and David Airhart. Step-granddaughter: Riana Kraft. His former partner: Shirley Langland, Decorah, IA. Two sisters: Penny (Paul) Herold, Fort Atkinson, IA, and Judy Johannsen, Surprise, AZ. Two brothers: Ray Nelson, Calmar, IA, and Pete Nelson, West Union, IA, along with several nieces and nephews.      Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Clifford and Racine (Pulse) Nelson. One sister: Paula Nelson. One step-son: Eric Langland. Former wife: Deborah Schmitt.