(Exira, Iowa) – An attorney from Exira who died this past May, received a posthumous lifetime achievement award from the Iowa Democratic Party at their Regional Awards Brunch held in Manilla Saturday October 25th. Information submitted to KJAN said Robert D. “Bob” Nelson was honored for his intelligence, integrity, accomplishments, and service while respecting his humility, modesty, and desire for privacy.  Bob Nelson graduated with the Exira High School class of 1955, and began a life of political activism. Over those four years at EHS, he served as his class president twice, class treasurer and member of the student council. He had a love of music; singing in the chorus and playing in the band all four years. His inquisitive nature led to his love of reading and journalism: writing for the school newspaper and yearbook.

Nelson earned his BA at the University of Iowa in 1959 and an MA from the University of Washington in 1961 where he was in ROTC studying field interrogating and learning Cantonese. He earned his Law degree from New York University  in 1966. He served as Audubon County Attorney for many years and was a longtime partner at Rasmussen & Nelson Attorneys-at-Law in his hometown of Exira. Bob was active in the Audubon County Democratic Party serving as County Chair and frequently as Secretary at the County Caucus.

Photo:
Receiving Robert Nelson’s award from Iowa Democratic Party chair, Rita Hart, (center) are two of his nieces Jodi Wellendorf (left) and Lori Larsen (right).

Nelson lived on the same farm all his life, was a concert-level pianist with a grand piano in the living room, and an immense collection of over 3000 books; 1000  of which have been donated to the Exira Public Library.  His body was donated to the University of Iowa.  He was an Army veteran, farm owner, golf buddy, and world traveler.