02/23/2026
Edna Mae Nelson lived a long and steady life, the kind built on work, family, and the simple routines that become the heart of a home.
She passed away February 23, 2026, at the age of 95, surrounded by her family at Westridge Nursing Home in Knoxville. Following her wishes, no formal services will be held. Memorials in Edna’s honor may be directed to the American Legion Post 632 in Melcher-Dallas, in care of Pierschbacher Funeral Home, 309 W. Main St., Knoxville, Iowa 50138.
She was born January 5, 1931, to Ira and Belle (Sims) Vander Linden, one of twelve children in a lively household where there was always someone to talk to and something going on. Growing up in such a large family meant that quiet moments were rare, but laughter and stories were never in short supply. She attended Knoxville Schools with the class of 1949, stepping into adulthood with the same steady determination that would carry her through the years ahead.
On March 19, 1949, Edna married Charles “Whitey” Nelson. Together they built a life centered on family and hard work and were blessed with three children: Cindy, Charles Jr., and Barry. Edna believed in showing up and doing what needed to be done, whether at home or out in the community. She spent years working as the cook at Melcher High School, where students and staff alike came to know her not just for her warm presence but for recipes that became local favorites. Her cinnamon rolls and school pizza were talked about long after the lunch trays were cleared. She also found herself chaperoning dances and riding along on girls’ sports trips, quietly becoming part of the memories of countless students.
Edna wore many hats over the years. She worked as a beautician in Melcher, spent time at Casey’s, and at the Northcote Locker. When Whitey suffered a stroke in 1977, she moved her beauty shop into their home so she could continue working while caring for him. It was just what she did-she adjusted and kept going, always finding a way forward.
In the early 80’s, Edna and Whitey began wintering in Texas, a tradition that brought new friendships and a different pace of life. She settled easily into the retirement community there, filling her days with crafts, painting, sewing, and cooking for friends. After Whitey passed in 2009, she continued making the trip south for another decade, holding onto the friendships and routines that meant so much to her.
Back home in Iowa, her world centered around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She rarely missed a school function if she could help it, happy to sit in the stands or an auditorium seat, simply watching them grow. In later years, she especially enjoyed sharing a home with her granddaughter and family, finding comfort in the company and the everyday sounds of a busy household once again.
Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Whitey” Nelson; her parents, Ira and Belle Vander Linden; her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Nelson; son-in-law, Kevin DeGoey; sister-in-law Leota Nelson; and her siblings Viola, Louise, Muriel, Paul, an infant brother Ira, Ray, Tub, Lucille, Jack, and Ruth.
She leaves behind her children, Cindy Nelson, Charles (Rhonda) Nelson Jr., and Barry Nelson; her brother, Dale (Judy) Vander Linden; and a niece raised as a sister, Sandra Williams. She also leaves six grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends who will remember her steady presence, her work ethic, and the warmth she brought into their lives.
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