Selmer "Sam" E. Nelson

Selmer “Sam” E. Nelson Jr., 83, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Friday, November 25, 2022, at the Fort Dodge Villa Care Center.  Private family services will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge.

Selmer was born May 21, 1939, in Emmetsburg, IA, the son of Evelyn M. (Anderson) and Selmer B. Nelson Sr.  He graduated from Cylinder High School in 1958, and continued his education at Drake University. Sam enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge.  On June 21, 1968, he was united in marriage to Hazel Melody at Holy Rosary in Fort Dodge.  Over the years, Sam worked for Lynn Schultz Construction, Clark Construction and Nelson Engineering & Construction (owned by his brother), until his retirement. Sam enjoyed spending time with his family – especially his granddaughter and great grandchildren.  He also enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, construction/building, and restoring cars & bikes.

Sam is survived by his wife of 54 years:  Hazel Nelson of Fort Dodge; daughter:  Tamara “Tammy” Porter and husband Troy of Fort Dodge; granddaughter:  Amanda Van Every of Moorland, IA; great grandchildren:  Sydney and Lane; 3 siblings:  James Nelson and wife Judy of Sioux City, IA, Mary Berg of Dubuque, IA, and Martha Kemp and husband Dr. Dave Kemp of Dubuque; and sister-in-law:  Teresa Trudeau and husband Ed of Overland Park, KS.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.