John R. Nelson

August 14, 1930 — March 23, 2025

John Nelson

Service Details

John Robert Nelson, born on August 14, 1930, in Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 94. He was the beloved son of Josephine and George Nelson and grew up in a family with three siblings: Hulda Ann, Virginia, and Vince.

He attended Kansas Wesleyan University for one year to study Civil Engineering before transferring to Midland Lutheran College, where he shifted his focus to Theology. It was there that he met his future wife, Elizabeth (Betty Lou) Wood. After their marriage, Betty Lou worked as a nurse while John continued his theology studies at Central Seminary. Together, they devoted their lives to the mission field and spreading the word of the Lord.

John's path to ministry began early, with an ordination alongside his brother Vince at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Shortly after his ordination, John and Betty Lou began their 40-year journey in the Lutheran mission field, serving in Malaysia and Singapore. During this time, John became well-known for his dedication to teaching the Bible, with a deep passion for the Bethel Bible Series, which he used to introduce many to the Christian faith. He was instrumental in establishing four Lutheran congregations in Singapore and remained a source of love, support, and spiritual guidance for countless people.

John is survived by his seven children: Denise Nelson, Tim (Loree) Nelson, David Nelson, Erika (Jay) Fink, Philip (Tiki) Nelson, Peter (Kelly) Nelson, and Michael (JeanEl) Nelson. He was the proud grandfather of fifteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of great joy to him.

John’s greatest legacy, beyond his work in the mission field, is the love and care he poured into his children, who carry his memory forward in their own lives. May his soul rest in eternal peace, knowing that his devotion to teaching others about the Bible and the love he gave to his family will endure for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Luther Memorial Church, where his legacy lives on.

May he rest in peace.

Print