Nelson, Charles

Charles Nelson, 81, passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at home in Altona.

He was born on the farm August 16, 1932 to Kenneth and Margaret Tarleton Nelson. He married Beverly Cain June 24, 1956 at the Oneida Methodist Church, Oneida, Illinois.

Survivors include his wife of almost fifty-eight years, son Kenneth (Pat) Nelson, Keith (Shelly) Nelson, Rodney (Jackie) Nelson all of Altona and daughter Ronda Pitman of Phoenix, Arizona; grandchildren Laura, Krystal (Jim) Wagner, David Nelson, Douglas Nelson, Brian Nelson, Nicole Nelson, Amy Pitman, Kyle Pitman, Brent Nelson and Lindsey Nelson. His sisters Doris Magnuson of Brookfield, Missouri and Audrey (Charles) Shaw of Oneida, his brother-in-law Don Cain Rio. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Greg Magnuson and sister-in-law Gaylene Cain.

He graduated from ROVA High School in 1950 and served in the Army for two years before returning home to farm with his father. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he served on the board, ushered and served as financial secretary. He also belonged to the Altona Lions Club, Little John Conservation Club, Knox County Farm Bureau, Cattlemen’s and Pork Producers. He served on the Altona Co-op board for twenty years and was president for fourteen. He had also been a 4-H leader and coached Little League baseball.

He loved his lifelong occupation of farming and was one of the first to have hog and cattle confinement buildings. It pleased him very much to have his three sons farming with him. He enjoyed following his grandchildren’s many activities, fishing and traveling.

He was able to stay in his home, as Parkinson’s disease slowly stole his life away, with the help of his family and care giver Linda Pyell.

The funeral will be June 16, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altona, Illinois. Rev. Tim Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, June 15, 2014 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the church. Interment will be at the Altona Cemetery with military rites by Ekstedt-Hurr American Legion Post #390. Memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Parkinson’s Research. Hurd Hendricks Funeral Home in Oneida, Illinois is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com

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