This memorial website was created to remember our dearest Robert "Bob" J. Nelson, who was born in Peoria, Illinois on August 26, 1927 and passed away on May 9, 2008. He will live forever in our memories and hearts.
Robert John Nelson (Bob) of Peoria died at his home on May 9, 2008 following a long illness. He was born in Peoria to Nels and Irene Harrington Nelson August 26, 1927.
Raised in St. Bernard’s parish, he was a graduate of Spalding Institute and Bradley University. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in Hawaii. He married the former Mary A. Kennedy September 16, 1950.
He was a fine example of a Christian man and a loving and devoted father to John R. (wife, Sonia) and David D.(wife, Kathy Ann) of Peoria, Katharine Loman (husband, Jeff) of Downers Grove, Illinois and Dr. Maureen Nelson of Charlotte, North Carolina. He is also survived by three granddaughters, seven grandsons and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers Ray and Tom in 1985.
Bob worked as a U.S. Treasury Agent in Galesburg for 17 years and Peoria for 13 years. Following his retirement he received an Associate degree in Nursing from ICC to enable him to be a volunteer home nurse for the underserved.
Close to his heart were his many volunteer activities, beginning as a Scout Leader when his children were young. Through his church he was involved in marriage enrichment programs, lector at mass and Eucharistic minister, including 20 years as Eucharistic Minister at St. Francis Hospital. He was active in Cursillo, serving as Rector of # 127, and was a Benedictine Oblate. He was a member of Community Bible Study, as well as Knights of Columbus Spalding Council 427.
In 2002 Bob received the Pere Marquette award from the Peoria Catholic Diocese for dedicated service. He also served as home visitor to the indigent and was a foster parent with Catholic Social Services; volunteered for AARP Tax Counseling for the Elderly; and was an advocate for those in long term care as an Ombudsman with the Illinois Department of Aging.
Bob enjoyed traveling with his wife and often integrated his spirit of volunteerism into their trips. He was an avid dartball player with the St. Vincent DePaul team.
Bob was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Peoria Heights, where a visitation will be Monday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be at the church Tuesday at 11 a.m., with additional visitation one half hour before. The Mass will be concelebrated by Msgr. William Watson and Fr. Thomas Taylor.
Interment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Peoria, with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Navy and the Tazewell Military Rites Team.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s research or to the South Side Office of Concern.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home in Peoria.
| Janet and Fred Grubbs |
Remembering Bob |
May 15, 2008 |
To Mary and all the Nelson Family
Betty Morris called me a couple of days ago and we both had a nice visit remembering Bob and all the help he provided us at the IRS office in Galesburg. Regardless of what he was doing, he stopped and assisted all of us. We had a pretty special group in Galesburg and Bob was one who helped make it special. Our prayers are with you. Janet Beer Grubbs and Fred Grubbs
| Heather and Vu Nguyen |
thoughts and prayers |
May 13, 2008 |
Dear Nelson Family,
It is with great awe and appreciation that we read the life that Bob has lead. He was a remarkable man of faith who consistently served others and carried out God's will. During this most difficult and sorrowful time, please know that we are thinking of you all and wishing you all peace. We pray that you will find comfort in celebrating this phenomenal man's life. Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family.
Heather and Vu Nguyen
| Vish Raj |
friend |
May 13, 2008 |
Dear Maureen,
I'm sorry for your loss. Please let us know what we can do.
Vish
| Marianne and John Rose, Farmin |
- |
May 12, 2008 |
Mary- We are sorry for your loss. He filled his life with helping others and you and your family should be very proud.
| Oscar Tracy & Karen & Kevin |
Thoughts & Prayers |
May 12, 2008 |
Dear Mary and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We know that he is resting in the loving arms of Our Lord. We have had many special memories of you and Bob while serving on TEC & Cursillo teams in Peoria as well as family get-togethers. We were blessed many times while sharing our faith with those on the weekends. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn your loss. Bob was a special man who lived his Fourth Day to the fullest. May Our Lord blanket you with His love and peace.
Love,
Oscar Tracy, Karen & Kevin Farrell
and the rest of the Tracy girls
