DES MOINES, IOWA (April 10, 2025) — On Wednesday, April 9, Governor Kim Reynolds released the following statement on the passing of RW Nelson, co-founder of Kemin Industries:
“Kevin and I were saddened to hear of the passing of RW Nelson, who founded and built Kemin Industries into a world-class ingredients manufacturing company right here in Des Moines,” Gov Reynolds said.
“As a graduate of Dowling and Drake, he was an Iowan to his very core; as a veteran of the Army Air Corps and a lifelong philanthropist, he embodied service to others throughout his amazing life; and as a legendary agricultural innovator, he changed lives for the better all across the world. RW’s influence will be missed, but his legacy will live on.
“Kevin and I are praying for his wife Mary, his children, and his many other surviving family members during this difficult time.”
