Dennis Wayne Nelson, 64, of Keokuk, IA, died unexpectedly Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, IA.

He was born on February 28, 1959 in Keokuk, IA, the son of Edward and Ida Toops Nelson. He graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1977.

Dennis was a veteran of the United States Marines and proudly served his country.

Over the years Dennis had been employed at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Ft. Madison, Henniges in Keokuk and Shaffer Pen in Ft. Madison. He had also worked in construction.

Dennis was of the Presbyterian faith.

Dennis had a special talent for drawing. He enjoyed fishing and playing and watching sports. While in high school he played football and was a wrestler. He was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Dennis is survived by his parents, Ed and Ida Nelson of Keokuk, three sisters, Mitzi (Todd) Trooien of Astoria, SD, Laurie (Scott) Ragar of Keokuk and Carrie (Earl) Nance of Kahoka, MO, and two brothers, Michael Nelson of Shenandoah, IA and Corey (Rickelle) Nelson of Louisville, KY. He is also survived by his long-time companion of seventeen years, Della Alvarez of Des Moines, and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service was held at 6 p.m., Saturday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with Pastor Shelby Whitney officiating. Burial with military rites will be at a later date in the Keokuk National Cemetery.

Visitation was held prior to the service from 5 – 6 p.m. at the funeral home with the family meeting with friends at that time.