Larry Dean Nelson

Larry Dean Nelson, 91 of Woodward, passed away July 25, 2025 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, IA.
Visitation will be 9:30-11 AM, Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Woodward United Methodist Church with funeral service commencing at 11 AM. Live streaming and recording of the service can be viewed on his obituary page at www.ilesfuneralhome.com. Burial will follow in Woodward Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Woodward American Legion.
Larry was born September 4, 1933 in Boone, Iowa to Ruth (Sturtz) and Walter Nelson. He spent his younger years working with his Grampa Sturtz on the home place with Belgium draft horses, Angus cattle and wind generated electricity to pump Gramma's water.
Larry graduated from Woodward High School in 1952 and was drafted into the U.S. Army serving two years in Germany at the rank of Corporal.
He and Janice Bristle were married June 13, 1953, in Bloomfield, Iowa.
Larry worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber for 40 years. He started working while in high school, stopping only during football season and would then return to the plant. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was known for his mechanical talents, and could resurrect an old bike back to working order and would graciously find a deserving young person to enjoy it. "The Larry's" would do work around Woodward to improve the ball fields, take down old trees and just about anything else two 70+ year olds could handle. He was never without an opinion on anything: politics, religion, work, etc. "Buy American" and even better if it had a union label. Larry and Janice enjoyed traveling after retirement, making many new friends.
Larry was a life time member of the American Legion Post #211 in Woodward, serving as commander and doing whatever else was needed. He was a member of the Woodward United Methodist Church.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Janice; daughter, Lora Reever of Glidden; grandchildren William and wife Leah Reever, Wesely and wife Amanda Reever, Whitney Reever, Samuel Peterson and Matthew Peterson. His great grand children were his constant joy: Rorik Reever, Riggs Reever and Claire Reever.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tom Nelson of Boone; son Brian Nelson, daughter Elayna Nelson Caruthers, son-in-law Tim Reever.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Woodward American Legion Post 211 or to the Larry Nelson Memorial for the benefit of the Nelson Scholarship at Woodward-Granger Community High School.
Thomas Rest Haven, Coon Rapids with the Veterans Administration Nursing Home Contract and Hospice of the Midwest, and the Perry Lutheran Home, are thanked for their dedication and care of Larry.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Larry Nelson, please visit our Tribute Store.