Nelson, Harvey B.

Harvey B. Nelson, 93, of Cedar Rapids, passed away quietly in his sleep Thursday, June 6, 2013, at Northbrook Care Center following a short illness. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories including Masonic Rites with interment following at Cedar Memorial. Visitation for family and friends will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial.

Harvey was born Nov. 8, 1919, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Anna Buerkman and Axel F. Nelson; both who preceded him in death. He met his wife, Clairbel, the love of his life, in 1938 and they married Aug. 27, 1940. They had 70 wonderful years together and four children were born of this marriage.

He was a blacksmith and did beautiful ornamental iron work which can be seen all around Cedar Rapids and also in his children's and grandchildren's homes.Harvey made the aluminum guard rails for the bridges that cross the Cedar River over First Avenue, Second Avenue and Third Avenue in Cedar Rapids. He joked, “My fingerprints are on every piece of the rail down there.” And, they are still there today and this was the 1950s!The Masonic tools at the Masonic Library in Cedar Rapids were another special order job requested by the Potentate and made by Harvey as was the railing that surrounded the World Globe at the old Cedar Rapids airport. Also, the flame outside Lovely Lane Methodist Church on 42 Street NE was made by Harvey.The curved metal staircase at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City and the stairs that grace the entryway to The Gazette were also made by Harvey. But, those don't come close to the most unusual metal item Harvey crafted.

“About the smallest project I made was a skull holder for a brain surgeon,” Harvey said. It was about a foot long, 8 to 10 inches wide and 10 to 12 inches high. It held the skull perfectly still while a hole could be drilled into it for surgery.After the 2008 flood and the loss of both his wife of 68 years and his home (since 1927) Harvey moved into Kingston Hill which became his home and the people there his family for almost the next five years.Harvey loved KH and volunteered around the place helping the resident assistants. For every lady's birthday, Harvey bought them a rose, he felt that was their special day and wanted to honor them. He loved the children and grandchildren of the RA's and others at KH and was happiest when giving them gifts - especially during the holidays.

He traveled to his daughter, Patti and son-in-law's, Jack home in Oklahoma four times after the flood and enjoyed time with them, his grandchildren, Sean and Kisa and great-grandchildren Lennon, Hailey, Zachary and Hayden.

Harvey is survived by his daughters, Patricia (Patti) Koch and her husband, Jack of Oklahoma and Linda Dreier and husband Darryl of Illinois; son, Michael Nelson of South Carolina; and brother, Walter Nelson of Illinois.

He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Nelson of Montana.

Harvey was past master of Mizpah Lodge 639 A.F.A.M. twice; El Kahir 101 Unit; Iowa Consistory; Scottish Rite; Gethsemane White Shrine; High Twelve; BPO Elks 251 Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Conopus Club; a lifelong member of St. James United Methodist Church and also active and very supportive in the NW Neighborhood Association.

A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend who loved life and never lost his sense of humor, Harvey will be missed. He was an inspiration to all with a smile on his face even duringtimes ofhealth trials and tribulations.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children or to the charity of your choice.

Published in The Gazette June 11, 2013.