Forrest Nelson

Forrest Leigh Nelson Sr. 1933—2016 Forrest L. Nelson Sr., 83, of Aurora, IL, passed away peacefully December 8, 2016, surrounded by his loved ones. Forrest was born July 23, 1933 in Rockford Illinois. The son of Arnold and Ethel (Rose) Nelson, he was a veteran serving our country in the United States Army during the German Occupation. Forrest worked at Western Electric in Rockford and West Chicago as an Operations Area Manager for more than 38 years, retiring in 1989 from AT&T Network Systems. Forrest loved all sports, especially baseball, and played competitive softball into his 50’s. It was a great pleasure for him to see the Cubs advance and win the World Series last month. Like his farmer father, Forrest was an avid gardener, and constant tinkerer. He spent many weekends happily mowing his lawn with his favorite John Deere riding mower tending to his prized lawn. He and wife, Jeannette were avid RV lovers owning many different rides over the years. He loved travelling in and working on his vintage Airstream motorhome, “The Iguana”, literally not always knowing where each trip would end or what road he would take. Forrest had a lasting impact on everyone he ever met and would do anything for anyone at any time. Forrest was everyman’s best friend. He loved his wife and family dearly. Forrest will always be loved by friends and family alike. He will be missed greatly by his wife, Jeannette (Richey) Nelson of Aurora, IL. He is also survived by his sister Shirley (Paul, deceased) Meyer of Loves Park, IL. sons, Forrest Jr (Carolyn) of Asheville, NC and Bryan of Rockford, IL and his daughters Deborah (Peacock) of Rockford, IL and Valerie (Sudbury Bill, deceased) of Munster, IN. Forrest has 12 grandchildren, Christopher Sudbury (Denise), Sydney, Forrest lll, Courtland, Alexandra, Rachel, Joshua, Michael, Stephanie, Kara, Maclain, Justin and 5 great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Ellie, William, Gilbert and Xavier. Forrest is predeceased by his parents; and brother, Sherwood (Pat) Nelson. The Nelson family acknowledges and is so very thankful for his home caregivers, Antonia and Luce, Dr. Ted Kulczycki and the kind staff of Mercy Hospital for the tender loving care that was provided to Forrest. There will be no funeral services, and a memorial will be announced at a later date.

Forrest Nelson

July 23, 1933 - December 8, 2016