Fred Nelson

Fred Nelson, 85, of Danville, passed away at 10:45am on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the Hoopeston Community Memorial Hospital. He was born on February 16, 1925, the son of Carl and Gladys (Simpson) Nelson. On December 11, 1944, Fred married Margaret Ann Smith of San Diego, Cal. She preceded him in death in 2004 after 59 years of marriage. Fred is survived by his son Gary (Eloise) Nelson of Hoopeston, seven grandchildren, Kory (Cindy) Nelson of Schaumburg, IL, Adam (Jessica) Nelson, and Spencer Nelson, both of Hoopeston, Debbie (Sam) Miceli, Emily (Michael) Reavey, Bradley (Andrea) Nelson, and Bruce (Brooke) Nelson, all of Kansas City, MO. His ten great-grandchildren, his sister, Helen (Chet) Michels of Nashville, Tenn, daughter-in-law, Barb (John) Laird of Kansas City, MO, and his loving companion, Sharon Welker of Danville also survive him. In addition to his wife, his parents, two sons, Ron and Tom Nelson, four brothers, one grandson, one granddaughter, a life-long friend, Darrell Day of Danville, and long-time friend, Ervin Mack of Fairmount preceded Fred in death. Fred lived an active, family oriented life. He was a founding member of the Flying Shingles Ski Club, a little league coach, and a devoted follower of sporting events of all his sons and grandsons. He was a member of the Vermilion Heights Christian Church where he had served as deacon, elder, and performed various other duties thought-out his years. Fred served in the Navy during WWII, and was a painter by trade. He enjoyed square dancing, round dancing, and hunting. Most of all, Fred loved people, especially his special friends at the GAO Grotto. His family and friends will miss him dearly. A Celebration of Fred Nelsons Life will begin at 2:00pm on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center located at 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville with internment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Pastor Ken Bostwick will officiate the service. Calling hours for family and friends will be from 4-8pm on Monday, March 1, 2010 at the funeral home with Masonic Services. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.