Patricia Nelson

Pat entered eternal rest Jan. 6, 2023, at her home in Winterset. She was the mother of three adopted and one biological child and because of her kind and gentle heart, there were numerous others who adopted her and called her their mother or grandmother.

Pat was born April 9, 1938, to Dan and Marie Stowell Ryan. She had two sisters, Betty and Joye. The three talented women sang as the Ryan Sisters Trio for many years for town celebrations, weddings, funerals and other community events. Pat continued singing as a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church choir for 62 years, as well as many other occasions when asked.

Pat graduated in 1956 from Prescott High School and in 1957, she married Jim Nelson, her high school sweetheart. After college they moved to Winterset. They had recently celebrated their 65th anniversary in August.

Pat was very active in the community, having fostered the idea for the Covered Bridge Festival. She also started a community theater called “The Apple Tree Players,” formed “The Women’s Giving Circle,” coordinated 480 weddings on the covered bridges and chaired the Winterset Sesquicentennial in 1999.

Pat is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jim Nelson; her sister, Joye (Bob) Morey; daughter, Stephne Nelson; sons, James Scott (George) Nelson and Ryan (Maggie) Nelson; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Marie Ryan; her sister, Betty Crill and her daughter, Kirsten Nelson.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 12, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Winterset. A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 13, at the church, with a luncheon to be served after.

Memorial contributions may be made to the James and Patricia Nelson Endowment Fund. To view the full obituary and to send condolences to the family, visit www.caldwellparrish.com.