John P. Nelson, 71, of Austin, died Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin surrounded by his family.

John was born April 2, 1940, at home in Meltonville, Iowa to Raymond and Esther (Stromley) Nelson. He worked as a farmer in Elkton for Jim Bell, as a construction worker for Ulland Brothers, and spent two years in Houston, Texas as a carpenter. John then returned to Austin and again worked for Ulland Brothers and later McFarland Truck Lines until his retirement in 1997.

John was united in marriage to Marion Andresen in Austin. To this union, three children were born. The couple later divorced. John was united to JoAnn White in Austin and they spent 40 years together. This union brought three more children into the family.

Survivors include his wife, JoAnn, Austin; children, Gary (Shelly) Nelson, Austin, Wayne (Brenda) Nelson, Austin, Kathy (Randy) Hagan, San Diego; Jim Nelson, Austin, Betty Shuck (fiance, Bob Cardwell), North Bend, Neb., Carol Shuck, Austin; 16 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; mother, Esther Nelson, Northwood, Iowa; siblings, Raymond (Lois) Nelson, Red Wing, Shirley Hoedley, Northwood, Iowa, Louise (Glen) Hagen, Albert Lea, Judy (Jim) Rae, Lake Mills, Iowa, Ronald (Deb) Nelson, Albert Lea, Rose (Robert) Sanden, Joice, Iowa, Kay Virchow, Glenville; many nieces; nephews; uncles; aunts; cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Nelson; sister, Kathryn.

Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, at Mayer Funeral Home with Todd Portinga officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday and also one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Tuesday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.