Marty Nelsen, 36, of Clarion passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa in Mason City. Funeral services for Marty Nelsen will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the United Church of Christ Congregational, 121 3rd Avenue North West in Clarion, with Pastor Bill Kem officiating. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, May 7, 2018 at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue in Clarion, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Marty John Nelsen, the son of Peggy (Stevens) Clutter and Scott Nelsen was born January 22, 1982 in Ames, Iowa. He was raised and educated in Clarion, graduating from Clarion-Goldfield High School with the Class of 2000. Following graduation, Marty enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at DMACC in Ankeny after working at Snack Village during his high school years. His love of food spilled over into his hobbies, watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and The Pioneer Woman cooking programs on Food Network were among his favorites. Marty also enjoyed watching NASCAR and UFC events, cheering on the Cubs, Vikings and his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. His love of sports began during his school days where he played football, baseball, ran track and wrestled. He loved fishing, visiting his grandparents and being outside. Most of all, Marty loved being big brother to Greg, and nothing was going to stop him from being best man at Greg and Sara's wedding this past November. Marty worked in construction for a time, building log cabins and swimming pools in Nebraska, and he worked at Krysilis in Clarion, he loved helping those with disabilities. In 2006, Marty was diagnosed with Alport Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that damaged his kidneys and heart. In June of 2009, he underwent open heart surgery and in November of 2009, was the recipient of a kidney from Kathleen Sheesly, a second cousin from California. Most recently, Marty was preparing for heart valve replacement surgery in the very near future. Despite his numerous health challenges, Marty kept a positive attitude, was helpful and kind to others and made the most of his many car trips to dialysis and other hospital visits, especially if they included stops at Jimmy John's or Panera Bread. Marty is survived by his parents Peg (Mike) Clutter of Clarion and Scott (Teresa) Nelsen of Clarion; brother Greg (Sara) Nelsen of Waterloo; son Tristan Fletcher; grandparents Bob Stevens of Clarion and John and Beverly Nelsen of Eagle Grove; aunt Sandra Studer of Clarion; uncles Mike (Jan) Stevens of Clarion, John (Georgianna) Nelsen of Houston, Texas and Rick (Cheryl) Nelsen of Holmes; along with numerous cousins, other relatives and friends. Marty was preceded in death by his grandmother Joyce Stevens, aunt Penny Larson and uncle Mike Studer.