Mervin Rita Rau was born on August 3, 1939, to Gilbert and Lidwina (Eisterhold) Rau at Westphalia, Iowa, the 12th child in a family of 15 children. She was baptized at St. Boniface Church. The family moved to a farm near Portsmouth, where she attended grade school and was confirmed at St. Mary’s Church.
After they moved to a near Manilla, Mervin graduated from Manilla High School. After graduation, she was united in marriage to Walt Schrader and to this union two children were born, Letha and Raymond.
When Mervin lived in Harlan, she held many jobs, working at the Saylor Hotel, Red Lion Restaurant, Harlan Golf and Country Club, and cleaning at the school. She also enjoyed bowling was on the Ladies’ Bowling League for several years.
Mervin was married to Ron Corbin and they later relocated to Texas. After Ron’s death she married Richard “Nels” Nelson, the love of her life, in Kerrville, Texas. Mervin and Nels spent many years traveling and visiting relatives. A highlight was their trip to Alaska. When they were at home they enjoyed walking together, sometimes 5 miles a day and spending time with family and friends. Mervin was very social and enjoyed being with people and had a great sense of humor.
She passed away quietly at Elm Crest Retirement Home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, attaining the age of eighty-six years, 3 months and one day. She was preceded in death by her parents, several siblings, her daughter and granddaughter.
She is survived by her husband, Richard “Nels” Nelson of Harlan, Iowa; son, Ray Schrader of Mountain Home, Texas; siblings, Martha Bissen of Harlan, Iowa, Verla Mumm of Earling, Iowa, Patricia Kuether of Pierce, Nebraska, and Judy (Richard) Jones of Omaha, Nebraska; stepchildren; nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.
