Tributes Pour In for R.W. Nelson, Co-Founder of Kemin Industries

Remembering R.W. Nelson: A Visionary Leader

R.W. Nelson, co-founder of Kemin Industries and prominent leader in the agricultural innovation sector, sadly passed away on April 7, 2025, at the venerable age of 98 in Des Moines, Iowa. His death marks the end of a remarkable era for the company he helped establish, leaving behind a legacy that spans several generations.

Nelson was born on February 28, 1927, in Kansas City, Missouri, and he spent much of his life in Iowa after moving there at a young age. He pursued his education at the esteemed Dowling Catholic High School and later graduated from Drake University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and chemistry. During World War II, he served honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps, an experience he carried with him for the rest of his life.

In 1961, alongside his devoted wife Mary, Nelson founded Kemin Industries with a modest initial investment of just $10,000. The couple started their groundbreaking venture from their living room while juggling the responsibilities of raising five children. This leap into entrepreneurship began Kemin's journey to becoming a global powerhouse in providing specialized ingredients for various sectors, including human and animal health, food technologies, and agriculture. Today, the company operates in over 90 countries and supplies more than 500 products across six continents.

What set Nelson apart was not only his innovative spirit but also his commitment to social responsibility. Throughout his life, he exemplified the values of servant leadership, believing in a company's obligation to improve the quality of life within communities. He and Mary supported numerous philanthropic initiatives across Iowa and beyond, having significantly impacted organizations like Dowling Catholic High School, Drake University, and the Science Center of Iowa. Their charitable endeavors extended globally, as they opened a primary school in China and aided in disaster recovery efforts in India after the tsunami.

As a visionary, Nelson was not just a business leader; he was a catalyst for change within the agricultural industry. He held four patents related to his scientific advancements and inspired countless individuals by serving on numerous boards and committees. His accolades include President Nixon's