William E. “Bill” Nelson, 63, of rural Alexis, died unexpectedly as the result of injuries sustained in a farming accident on Saturday, January 14, 2017.He was born November 6, 1953, in Galesburg, the son of Donald W. and Eugenia H. (Miller) Nelson. He married Katherine A. Lind on June 21, 1980, in Henderson Grove.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathy; five children, Patrick Lind of Freeport, Chrystal Lind of Galesburg, Thira Purchase of Galesburg, Melissa Nelson of Galesburg, and Michael (Heather) Nelson of Alexis; 18 grandchildren, Kenzie, Hailee, Isiah, Charmel, Dylan, Reashell, Marshell, Peyton, Shawn, Coy, Kennadee, Kelsey, Brooklyn, Lyric, J.J., Derrick, Miles, and a baby girl due in April; a brother, Robert G. “Bob” (Janice) Nelson of Alexis; six sisters, Beverly J. (Jim) Nelson of Moultonborough, New Hampshire, Barbara (Brent) Benson of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, Marjorie Nash of Ottumwa, Iowa, Donnie (Bill) Byers of Overland Park, Kansas, Christine (Tom) Grabenstatter of Columbus, Ohio, and Pamela (Perry) Weller of Austin, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Kyle Michael.
Bill was a second-generation dairy farmer in Warren County, near Alexis, his whole life. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1971. He went on to attend Carl Sandburg College for two years, then graduated from Illinois State University in 1976, where he was a member of AGR Fraternity.
Bill was a lifetime member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Henderson Grove, where he had served in numerous capacities, including chairman of the church board. He was a 4-H leader, a member of the Farm Bureau, a member of the Grange, and had served on the Associated Milk Producers board. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Visitation will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2017 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Henderson Grove with Rev. Kurt Carlsen officiating. Burial will follow in Henderson Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the William Nelson Memorial Fund and will be directed to the Knox County Farm Bureau Farm Safety Camp or Messiah Lutheran Church in Henderson Grove. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
