Mark A. Nelson Obituary

Mark A. Nelson, 78, of Waukee, passed away November 24, 2022, with his family by his side.

Mark was born September 7, 1944, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of Kenneth and Marguerite (Weigand) Nelson. His family moved throughout the Midwest and Southwest while growing up. He graduated from Adams High School in Commerce City, Colorado. He married Susann Galetich on November 23, 1963, in Madrid, Iowa.

Mark lit up the room. He loved his family and the outdoors. He spent his time riding his bike with his grandkids and rode twenty four years on RAGBRAI. He enjoyed vacationing in Colorado and especially loved hiking Fourteeners, having summited more than twenty with family and friends. He also hiked the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim trail, enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading and attending his grandchildren's activities.

His career included twenty five years with IBM and many additional years in computer sales and marketing.

He is survived by his wife, Susann Nelson; daughter, Beth (Randy) Ratcliff and son, Tim Nelson; grandchildren, Nick (Megan) Ratcliff, Jason Ratcliff, Amanda (Calvin) Brown, Erik (Amanda) Nelson, Lauren Nelson and Kate Nelson; great-grandchildren, Adler Brown and Ivy Ratcliff; and brother, Bryce Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lawrence.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be from 10-11am, prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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