Dennis “Denny” Nelson, 73, of Milford passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
Private family services will be held with burial in the Westport Cemetery in Rural Lake Park, IA. 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 August 2, 1952, in Davenport, IA; to Clifford and LaVerne (Beecher) Nelson. He earned his GED from Maquoketa Valley High School in Delhi, IA. He then enlisted in the US 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 healthcare 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, TN, 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, IA; Matthew Nelson of Spencer, IA; Shane Nelson of Lake Park, IA; Tyler Nelson of Ocheyedan, IA; and Ethan Nelson of Lake Park, IA; brothers Clifford Nelson of Des Moines, IA; and Clay Willie of Norway, IA; and his special friend Danelle Nelson of Lake Park, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Krager and sister Gloria Clemen.