Ag giant Fowler Packing announced via LinkedIn that the company’s vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Nelsen, unexpectedly died on Dec. 21.

With a memorial scheduled Monday, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a cause near to Nelsen’s heart — helping end poverty in Kenya.

“Sean had a gift of nurturing those around him and (he) impacted countless lives, both professionally and personally,” the post stated. “He has left an indelible mark on the company, our industry, and with the many friends he made along the way. He adored his family, was a man of God, loved his church, sports and travel. Our hearts are with the Nelsen family and everyone who loved him.”

Ag, Church Played a Big Role in Nelsen’s Life

Mr. Nelsen, 48 years old from Visalia, leaves behind his wife, Jennifer Marie Nelsen; and daughters Julia, Kaylee, Sophie, and Mia, according to an obituary from Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. He was born in Whittier.

Active in the Future Farmers of America while at Golden West High School, he went on to study ag business at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

“This sparked his passion for agriculture and led him to his career in produce,” Mr. Nelsen’s obituary stated. “Sean considered his career as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Fowler Packing an extension of his family.”

A farmer himself, he grew cherries and lemons near Visalia. After managing logistics for supply chain company C.H. Robinson, Mr. Nelsen took on the role at Fowler Packing.

He also took his spiritual life seriously, serving as a board member at Tulare First Baptist Church for more than 15 years. A mission trip to Kenya in 2015 got him involved with the nonprofit When I Grow Up. The group helps local leaders end cycles of poverty in that country.

A celebration of life will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at Tulare First Baptist Church, 469 N Cherry St.