Gary Nelson, age 64 of Ely, Iowa (formerly of Elroy, Wisconsin) died Sunday September 24, 2017.  He was born on March 13, 1953 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to the late Lyle and Jeane (Neuman) Nelson.  After graduating from Royall High School in 1971, he proudly served his country in the US Marine Corp until 1973.  He then married and had two children, a son and daughter.  He resided in Wisconsin for many years and spent the last 15 years of his life in the Cedar Rapids area.

Gary is survived by his son, Troy (Brandi) Nelson of Atkins, Iowa and daughter Jessie (Paul) Mueller of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; eight grandchildren, Macee, Piper, Tate and Elliott, and Caleb, Lydia, Isaac and Genevieve.  He is also survived by two sisters Sherrie Ebel and Dawn (Mark) Schendel as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Jeane Nelson, brother-in-law Dwayne Ebel and special Aunt Genevieve Miller.

Gary was a simple and solitary man.  He enjoyed trips to local casinos (where he tended to be quite lucky!), watching the Green Bay Packers (a Nelson family tradition) and visiting with family and friends.

An informal Celebration of Life will be held at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW on Thursday, September 28, 2017 from 5-7 pm.  Food and beverages will be provided.  In honor of Packer's game day, please feel free to wear your Green & Gold.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.