Russell Vance Nelson

Russell Nelson, 76, of Waterloo, died Monday, May 18, 2026, at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center. He was born January 2, 1950, in Waterloo, son of Vance and Beatrice (Sparks) Nelson. He graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1968.

Russell married Kelly Witke, and they later divorced. He worked in maintenance at the old Schoitz Hospital, and later as a receiving clerk at Goodwill Industries for ten years, retiring in 1989 due to disability. Russell enjoyed collecting and running scaled trains and listening to ‘70s and ‘80s Rock ‘n Roll. Before losing his eyesight, he liked riding his bicycle.

He is survived by his children: Justin Nelson and Heather Nelson of Waterloo, his sister Ruth Ann (Hugh) Hadlund of Eden Prairie Mn, and niece Lauren Burris of Eden Prairie.

Private family burial took place in Garden of Memories.