Frank Augustus Nelson

Frank Augustus "Gus" Nelson, 72, of La Porte City, IA, died at home on May 16, 2024. He was born on November 25, 1951, in Osceola, IA, the eldest son of George M. and Patricia Jane (Miller) Nelson. He graduated from Clarke County High School in Osceola and received his AA degree from Southwestern Community College in Creston.

On June 19, 1976, Gus married Sally Hoopingarner at St. Boniface Church in Sioux City, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

Gus worked on heavy highway construction and as a rural postal carrier for the Waterloo Post Office. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 2017.

Gus was a hard-working provider who loved his family and the great outdoors. As a boy on the farm, he learned to garden, fish and hunt; and carried those talents throughout his life. His favorite times were spent tending to flowers, boating and fishing on the Cedar and Mississippi Rivers, snagging paddlefish, and deep-sea fishing in Florida. He was also an avid fan of music, listening to and playing lots of instruments, with a great love for his antique Gibson guitar.

He is survived by his wife, Sally, of La Porte City; son, George Michael, of Cedar Falls; daughter, Amy Jo Mangrich and granddaughter Monroe Leyh, of Waterloo; two brothers, George Mark of Osceola, IA and James (Brenda) Nelson of Estes Park, CO; and three sisters, Jennie Jones of Middlesboro, KY, Julie Nelson of Kimberling City, MO, and Ruth (Gayle) Grimes of Des Moines, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Brent Mangrich.

In accordance with Gus' wishes, his body has been donated to the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine for scientific purposes. There will be no formal services or visitation. A family-directed Cedar River Memorial Float, a unique and personal tribute, will be held this summer to honor his memory.

Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice.

Locke at Tower Park assisted the family with arrangements 319-233-3146.