Remembering R.W. Nelson: A Legacy of Innovation and Philanthropy

Kemin Industries is in mourning following the peaceful passing of R.W. Nelson, co-founder and chairman of the board, on April 7, 2025, at the age of 98. Nelson's vision and commitment to innovation not only transformed the company but also significantly improved the lives of millions around the globe.

According to Dr. Chris Nelson, R.W.'s son and current CEO of Kemin Industries, "We deeply lament the loss of R.W., our family patriarch and one of the visionaries of Kemin. He was cherished by our family, countless clients, and thousands of Kemin employees whose lives he impacted for over six decades." This heartfelt tribute reflects the profound influence that R.W. had within the company and beyond.

R.W. Nelson, also known as Rolland Wade "Bud" Nelson, was born on February 28, 1927, in Kansas City, Missouri. At the age of seven, he relocated to Des Moines, Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his life. He graduated from Dowling Catholic High School and later earned a Biology and Chemistry degree from Drake University. Together with his wife, Mary, R.W. founded Kemin Industries in 1961, using $10,000 from their savings and their living room as the initial workspace while raising five young children. Their entrepreneurial initiative laid the groundwork for an innovative company focused on agricultural advancements in the Midwest.

From its modest beginnings, Kemin grew into a global leader in the development of innovative ingredients. Today, the family-owned multinational company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceuticals, food technology, crop technology, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines. Kemin operates on six continents, serving clients in over 120 countries and maintaining manufacturing plants across 90 nations, including locations in Belgium, Brazil, China, Italy, and the United States.

R.W. was renowned as an industry innovator and leader, holding four patents and receiving worldwide recognition for his scientific contributions and business achievements. He earned honors from two U.S. presidents: the Presidential “E” Certificate for Exporting from President Nixon in 1971 and the Presidential “E” Star Award for Export Excellence from President Carter in 1978. His accolades also include the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Award in 1972, the Economic Impact Award from the State of Iowa in 1987, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Achievement Award in Iowa in 1991, and induction into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame in 2006.

Underpinning his corporate success was R.W.'s commitment to service leadership, building Kemin with a philosophy of corporate social responsibility. He believed in the moral obligation of businesses to enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve. Over the decades, R.W. and Mary became philanthropic leaders, supporting numerous organizations in Iowa and worldwide. Their contributions significantly impacted organizations such as Dowling Catholic High School, Drake University, and many disaster relief efforts. Their humanitarian efforts extended globally, and they undertook initiatives like establishing the Kemin Primary School in China and aiding in community rebuilding efforts in India following a devastating tsunami.

R.W. also contributed to various boards and committees related to trade groups, banks, and educational institutions, advocating for sectors like science and education. He was an active member of both the American Chemical Society and the American Feed Industry Association, fostering long-term collaborations with organizations like the World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity.

R.W. served honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1945 to 1947, earning commendations for his service in the Philippines following World War II. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their children, Christopher, Elizabeth, Janet, David, and Molly, as well as thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him, and his contributions to the industry and society will be honored for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, the Nelson family requests that memorial donations be made to the Harkin Institute at Drake University and the science and sports programs at Dowling Catholic High School. For further details and updates regarding memorial services, please visit Kemin Industries' website.

Kemin Industries remains committed to transforming the quality of life worldwide through innovative science, a vision R.W. Nelson tirelessly championed throughout his life.