Harry Emil Nelson, 77, of Aviston, IL, entered into eternal rest suddenly on June 29, 2020, at Aviston Countryside Manor.
He was born April 12, 1943, in Chicago, IL, the only child of U.S. Army Tech Sergeant Harry Edward and Torborg (Hagelberg) Nelson, who preceded him in death. He married the love of his life, Darleen Billhartz, on October 17, 1964. He retired from Burlington Northern Air Freight in 2008, after 31 years of service.
Harry is survived by his loving wife; their three daughters, Darla Nelson, Laurie Chen, and Audra (Michael) Richardson; six grandchildren, Joshua Norsigian, Zachary Richardson, Noah Chen, Dana Norsigian, Jake Richardson, and Kiele Chen, and one great-grandchild, Camden Norsigian. He also leaves behind 4 brothers-in-law, 5 sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.
"Gramps" was a fan of snacking, having a cold beer, and watching wrestling or reruns of JAG. You would often find him singing and dancing with Darleen to his favorite country music or ZZ Top song, and he enjoyed dragging his young daughters to the Museum of Transportation. He never said no to a "friendly" card game with his siblings-in-law. When he was still mobile, he was an avid golfer who took great pleasure in beating his sons-in-law on the course. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family - riding bikes with his grandchildren, teaching them to fish, practice their golf swing, and how to correctly wash the car and cut the grass. Harry had a dazzling smile, infectious laugh, and quick wit. He was loved beyond measure and will be missed greatly.
Due to Covid-19, there will be a private funeral mass for family and close friends on Monday, July 13, 2020, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Aviston, IL. MASKS MUST BE WORN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lupus Foundation of America or the Dementia Society of America.