1998 Nelson Reunion

Nearly seventy descendants of Alfred and Anna Nelson met at Stan’s Steak House in Odebolt, Iowa, on Saturday, August 1, 1998 for a family reunion. Of the thirty grandchildren of Alfred and Anna, fifteen are living and twelve attended the reunion.

Jean Indorf hosted the reception table, handed out name tags and asked relatives to sign in on a “Big Chief” tablet. She also encouraged people to write down their memories of previous picnics and reunions.

Bob Nelson, Tucson, AZ, acted as Master of Ceremonies and assembled everyone at about 5:30 p.m. He went around the room and asked each cousin to introduce themselves and any family members present. Bob presented awards for several categories. Faye Carlson won the award for the most family members present--ten. Rendee Wallace won the award for living closest, Odebolt, Jessie Benson won an award as the senior Nelson present.

Bob read a letter from Marilyn (Potteiger) Routt who was unable to attend due to previous commitments. Bob told an amusing story of an early predecessor to Viagra (Swedish Rye Bread). Mary Nelson read a poem by Cosette Middleton on “family trees”. Several relatives brought boxes of old photographs and there were frequent outbursts of laughter as Nelsons recognized family members from their younger, leaner days.

Pam Wollesen had arranged a delicious buffet supper that was enjoyed by all. After supper, Bob “passed the hat” and collected $31 to help fund the next reunion, scheduled for June 10, 2000. Rendee Nelson Wallace was appointed treasurer. Wayne Nelson was given a T-shirt for his assistance in organizing the reunion. The T-shirt was made by Pam Wollesen and it was embroidered with the words “Nelson Reunion 1998”.

Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Peggy Peloquin who was celebrating a birthday. She was presented with a refrigerator magnet of a Nelson crest. Lynne Wulf won the drawing for a “Bless Our House” plaque. The plaque was made by Lorna Jones, daughter of Lu and Jean Indorf. Before sunset, everyone assembled outside the restaurant in front of an Iowa cornfield to pose for a series of photographs. Everyone seemed to agree that this was a special day filed with special people.