Christopher Forrest Nelson Obituary (1962 - 2021)

Christopher Forrest Nelson was born on December 14, 1962, to Forrest and Virginia Nelson and grew up and lived most of his life in Indianola, Iowa. As a child, he was active in the Boy Scouts and earned many badges and enjoyed Scout camping trips. He also played Little League baseball and basketball through the 6th grade. Around the age of 11 or 12, he started his own window washing business and washed the outside windows of several businesses around the Indianola town square. He went on to deliver local newspapers and work at a few other businesses in town. In May 1981, Chris graduated from Indianola High School. Following that, he attended Des Moines Area Community College, receiving a certificate in welding in May 1982, a certificate in auto body repair in August 1983 and an Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology degree in December 1986. After graduating from DMACC, Chris worked as an auto mechanic, a welder, a sales and delivery person, and a vehicle service attendant and transporter at businesses in Pella, West Des Moines, Indianola, and Des Moines. In September 1993, he took a job with Wittern Group in Clive, Iowa, a manufacturer of vending machines. He started there as a welder and, in more recent years, worked as an inspector. At every job, he worked hard to deliver the best possible product and service to the customer. It was Chris' conviction that every working man and woman deserves to receive a livable wage in exchange for his or her hard work and dedication which contribute to the organization's growth and prosperity, to have a safe place to work, and to be treated with respect and dignity. Putting that belief into action, he joined the United Auto Workers, Local 270 in 1993 and served as Financial Secretary, Recording Secretary, Union Steward, Vice President and President over the years. He was also a member of the CAP Committee for Local 270 and a member of the UAW Iowa State CAP executive board for several years. Chris was also a member of the Warren County Democrats for 20 years. He served as Treasurer for 10 years and was on the Central Committee for 20 years. He was an original member of the Committee to Elect Scott Ourth in 2009 and continued to campaign for Scott over the next 11 years. Chris supported several Democrats running for local and state offices by walking and driving in parades to promote the candidates. He also helped with the setup and tear down of the Warren County Democrat's booth at the Warren County Fair each year. Indianola First United Methodist Church was an important part of Chris' life as well. He was confirmed and became a member at around age 13. He attended church at IFUMC for many years after he moved back to Indianola in 1988. Chris had a life-long love for cars. As a child, he loved playing with Hot Wheels and putting together model cars. As he got a little older, he loved working on his own car and was always ready to assist family and friends with their automotive needs. Later on, he developed a love for motorcycles. He started out with a small fixer upper and, over the years, progressed to a Harley Ultra Classic. Whether exploring the country on his own, or riding with friends or his Harley Owners Group, riding his motorcycle was one of his great joys in life. Chris passed away on February 16, 2021, with his sister, Laura, by his bed side and was reunited in heaven with his parents. Throughout his life, he showed compassion for both friends and strangers. He was a loyal friend to many. Chris was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his sister and many family and friends. Memorials may be made to the Indianola First United Methodist Church and the Warren County Democrats.