Ronald Ray Nelson, the son of Raymond and LaVerna (Nelson) Nelson, was born April 14, 1946, in Audubon, Iowa and died October 20, 2018, on Highway 71 northeast of Atlantic, Iowa at the age of 72 years, 6 months, and 6 days. Ron was baptized and confirmed at the Exira Lutheran Church. He attended rural school near their home west of Exira then graduated from the Exira High School with the Class of 1964. Ron studied at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business in 1968. Ron returned to Exira to help operate the family farm. He farmed with his brothers Steve and Denny and they raised livestock and grew row crops. Along with farming, Ron managed the bookkeeping for the Nelson Brothers Farms. Ron enjoyed sports. He was a life-long Yankee and Kansas City Chiefs fan. But above all he was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan enjoying watching the football and basketball teams. Ron’s passion was farming. He was close to all his nieces and nephews and always kept up on what they were doing. Preceding him in death were his parents; his brother Craig Nelson; his niece Megan Nelson; and his nephew Ryan Nelson. Survivors include his brothers Steve and wife Deb Nelson of Atlantic, Iowa, Denny and wife Judi Nelson of Exira, Iowa, Bruce and Hyunja Nelson of Woodville, Washington, and Lynn Nelson and Cathy of North Liberty. Iowa; his nieces and nephews Steven and wife Lisa Nelson of Kearney, Missouri, Melissa (Lisa) Nelson and Morgan Nelson both of Kansas City, Missouri, McKenzie and husband Andy Kiger of Carroll, Iowa, Blake and wife Wendy Nelson of Hamlin, Iowa, Thad and wife Megan Nelson of Treynor, Iowa, Lindsey Nelson and Leah Nelson both of Seattle, Washington; other relatives and friends. The family will meet with friends Friday evening, October 26, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Steven Frock on Saturday morning, October 27, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira, Iowa. Interment will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery west of Exira. The honorary casket bearers will be Lindsey Nelson and Leah Nelson. The casket bearers will be Steven Nelson, Blake Nelson, Thad Nelson, Lisa Nelson, McKenzie Kiger, Morgan Nelson, John Asberry, and Blake Asberry.