Alan Foster Nelson

Alan Foster Nelson, 79, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Monday, January 27, 2025, at his home. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, beginning at 4 PM at Shiny Top Brewing, 520 Central Avenue – Fort Dodge. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. 

Alan was born November 5, 1945, in Fort Dodge, the son of Stanley and Marguerite (Foster) Nelson. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1963, and continued his education at Iowa State University where he earned his BS degree. He worked for IBM in his early career before venturing out on his own as an inventor of various golf equipment. A dedicated historian, Al was known for his passion for research and deep curiosity about the past. He especially loved researching the history of the Midwest and conducted numerous interviews with Midwestern Indians. In 2018, he wrote the book “Fort Dodge: America’s Frontier Town” which covered the Frontier Days into the early 1900’s. His love for research was not merely a pastime but a passion that permeated every fiber of his being. He also performed several historical interpretations/reenactments at Friendship Haven. He was an avid Iowa State sports fan who also had a great love for the game of golf. Al was an expert in trivia and loved to compete.

Al is survived by 3 siblings: Janis Kivi and husband Arvi of Greensboro, NC, Bruce Nelson and wife Julia of Basking Ridge, NJ, and Jean Pfaff and husband Tom of Glen Ellyn, IL. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law: Shari Nelson; and 2 nephews: Bradley and Scott Nelson.