Obituaries : Dennis “Denny” Nelson

Dennis “Denny” Nelson, 73, of Milford, passed away on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Private family services will be held with burial in the Westport Cemetery in Rural Lake Park. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.

Denny was born on Aug. 2, 1952, in Davenport to Clifford and LaVerne (Beecher) Nelson. He earned his GED from Maquoketa Valley High School in Delhi. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country during the Vietnam War. During his service, he was stationed for 18 months in Germany, where he earned the Army Commendation Medal. After he was honorably discharged, he returned home and earned a human services degree at Woodward College. He worked the majority of his life as a health care professional assisting people. He also worked on various farms as a farm hand, worked in construction and helped mentally challenged people.

In his free time, he enjoyed playing guitar and singing country music. He was very proud to have played his guitar on stage in Nashville, Tennessee, where he met many stars. His biggest accomplishment was raising his five boys. He was especially proud of his oldest son, Chad, who joined him in Nashville and became a professional fiddle player.

Left to cherish his memory are his five boys, Chad Nelson, of Manchester; Matthew Nelson, of Spencer; Shane Nelson, of Lake Park; Tyler Nelson, of Ocheyedan; and Ethan Nelson, of Lake Park; brothers, Clifford Nelson, of Des Moines; and Clay Willie, of Norway; and his special friend, Danelle Nelson, of Lake Park.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Krager; and sister, Gloria Clemen.