Nelson R. Hoskins, 89, went home to be with his Savior on Oct. 17, 2020, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. A time of remembrance and celebration of life was held Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Newton Church of the Way. Interment was in Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel.
Nelson Robert Hoskins was born Oct. 9, 1931, in Madelia, MN, the oldest of 10 children born to A. Frank and Charlotte (Keyser) Hoskins. Nelson's family was poor. He and his oldest siblings grew up during the Depression, so life was not easy. Nelson attended school until the age of 17. He quit school because “he knew all there was to know!” He worked at an optical company until while on lunch break one day, a friend suggested they go join the Navy. Nelson agreed, and they joined on the spot, bribing a stranger to sign for them since they were underage. They were shipped off to training, and thus started a 20-year career and love for the U.S. Navy. He loved serving his country and seeing the world, speaking often of the different experiences he had. He was a great patriot! He served from 1948-1968 in the Korean Conflict to the Vietnam War Era. Nelson retired at the rank of Machinist Mate Chief. He was very proud of his four brothers who also served in the Navy, as well as several brothers-in-law. Nelson and his wife, Rhonda, enjoyed attending his ship's reunions and the wonderful friendships of shipmates.
Nov. 26, 1960, Nelson married Carel Brewer in La Cross, WI. They were blessed with three children: Lori Hoskins of Des Moines, Randall (Catherine) Hoskins of Walford, and Michele Londrigan of Center Point; four grandchildren: Tyce Hoskins, Taylor Hoskins, Kyle Londrigan, and Chad Londrigan. Nelson was very proud of his children and grandchildren and loved them dearly.
Nelson and his family moved to Ottumwa where he served as a Navy Recruiter. After his retirement from the Navy in 1968, Nelson worked for Iowa Southern Utilities until his retirement in 1993.
Dec. 5, 1999, Nelson married Rhonda Nikkel Sonnenberg in Pella. Nelson inherited her children: Troy (Tracy) Sonnenberg and Kelley (Don) Vos; six grandchildren: Lacy (Geoff) Everly, Morgan (Andrew) Ballard, Chance Sonnenberg, Dalton (Kylea) Leeman, Makenna Stouthammer, and Kimberlyn Stouthammer; great-grandchildren: Carson, Kynley, and Scotlynn. He loved them all as his own.
Though small in stature, Nelson had a huge personality. He had many cherished friendships and passions in life. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed studying his Bible. He had a great desire to have a close relationship with God and always had an ongoing list of people to pray for daily. He prayed for all his children and grandchildren every day by name. He studied history, politics, and the military. He believed it important to be informed. Nelson loved every aspect of God's creation in nature and loved to capture that beauty through photography. He was a Licensed Master Bird Bander and loved catching birds, examining, and banding them, recording that information for statistical use. He often presented programs for school kids, clubs, and visitor centers by Ottumwa and Pella.
He and Rhonda loved to play music, and he loved bluegrass, gospel, and country music. Nelson taught himself to play guitar at 19 years of age while in the Navy. He became an excellent musician, giving lessons, always encouraging and helping beginner musicians. He and Rhonda enjoyed attending bluegrass festivals, playing music with friends, and providing musical entertainment.
Nelson attended the Newton Church of the Way. He was a member of American Legion Post 111 in Newton, a member of the Newton Masonic Lodge, and a former member of the Ottumwa Masonic Lodge where he served twice as Past Master.
Nelson is survived by his wife, Rhonda, of Newton; two sons; three daughters; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters Patty (Gene) Keck, Sally Gilbertson and friend Bob, Judy (Doug) Carlson, and Peggy (Bill) Roeske; four brothers, Charles (Eleanor), Eddie (Judy), Gary (Brenda), and Wes (Melana) Hoskins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, James and Sadie Nikkel; a dear sister, Jean (Rick) Ricci; and a beloved niece, Melanie Roeske.
