John Nelson Obituary

John Edward “Johnny” Nelson, 70, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center following a sudden illness. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Teahen Funeral Home. 

John is survived by his wife, Nancy; children: Steve Nelson, Angela (John) Wright, and Josh Nelson; grandchildren: Nate and Kloe Wright all of Cedar Rapids; siblings: Harold (Nancy) Nelson of Naples, FL, Sally (Alan) Childs of Yuma, AZ, Jack (Cathy) Nelson of Omaha, NE, and Bob (Karen) Nelson of Tacoma, WA; many nieces and nephews and also Chad (Kerri) Gist of Ankeny, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Sean Nelson; sisters, Peggy Houseman, Alice Leehey, and Doris Nelson; brother, Lloyd Nelson; and daughter-in-law, Sandy Nelson.

John was born on September 15, 1955, in Perry, Iowa, the son of Floyd and Dorothy (Clark) Nelson. He graduated from Perry High School with the class of 1973. For much of his life, John worked as a truck driver, providing for his family with hard work and dedication. He was a proud member of Teamsters Local 238 and spent his career working for Roadway Express, Yellow Roadway Corporation, and ABF Freightways. On June 18, 1994, he was united in marriage to Nancy Noe at the family farm outside of Rowley, IA. Together they shared many years filled with love and laughter. 

John enjoyed camping, sitting in his garage “doghouse” listening to his tunes on the radio, farming with his grandfather and father-in-law, watching NASCAR and football, and spending time outdoors. He had a great sense of humor, loved cats, and was known for appreciating the little things in life. John will be remembered as a man who loved his family deeply, shared his humor freely, and lived life simply yet fully.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.