Ron Nelson

Ron Nelson, 78, of Viola, Illinois joined his Heavenly Father Saturday, November 6, 2021 in an automobile accident in Warren County, Illinois.

Visitation is Friday, November 12th from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, New Windsor.  Funeral service is 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 13th at the church.  Burial will be in Woodhull Cemetery followed by a time of fellowship at Winola Grade School, Viola, Illinois.  Memorials may be left for Calvary Lutheran Church, Educational Scholarship in his name for students of Sherrard CUSD 200, or family wishes.  Dennison Funeral Home, Viola is assisting the family.

Roland Eugene Nelson was born May 27, 1943 in Moline, Illinois a son of Gustav and Helen Williams Nelson.  The 1961 Winola High School graduate went on to attend Universal Trade School in Omaha, Nebraska.  On June 20, 1965, he married Linda Sargeant in Woodhull.  Ron worked as a mechanic at Erickson’s Chevrolet for 23 years.  He then worked 22 years at Sherrard School District as head of maintenance, a job he truly loved.  After retirement, he enjoyed planting and harvesting with the DeBlock family.  He was an avid collector and restorer of Allis-Chalmer Tractors and Equipment.  Ron and his brother enjoyed traveling the country searching for tractors and parts.  He was a member of Edwards River Tractor Club, was active with the Boy Scouts for many years, and enjoyed gardening.  He spent many hours video taping weddings, Green Dragon football games, and hunting and fishing trips with family.  Ron was a true handyman… give him a problem and he would find the solution, always ready to lend a helping hand.  He was a dedicated member of Calvary Lutheran Church, serving on the church board.  Most of all, family meant everything to Ron.  Over the years, he spent many miles and hours attending events his children or grandchildren were involved with…from drill team and sporting events to concerts and home improvement projects, Ron would be there.  Spending time with his family was his greatest joy.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years:  Linda Nelson, Viola; children:  Cheri (Chris) Byers, Bloomington, Angie (Cully) Welter, Monticello and Todd (Katie) Nelson, Bloomington; grandchildren:  Lindsay (Nick), Beau, Tyus, Reid, Aliyah, Kyara, Gabe, Trey, and Cole; and brothers:  Emil (Sandy) Nelson, Yorkville and Norb (Cindy) Doak, Sherrard.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister:  Charlene McConoughey.

Online condolences may be left at www.dennisonfuneralhome.com.