Harold Eugene Nelson

Harold Eugene Nelson of Chatham, Illinois, formerly of Galesburg, Illinois died at 5:05 am Saturday, July 29, 2017 in Springfield, Illinois.

He was born September 21, 1921 in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, the son of H. Leonard and Amalia (Gellin) Nelson. He married Edith E. Almborg in Chicago, Illinois on November 15, 1952. She preceded him in death on May 4, 2017.

Harold is survived by daughters, Kathy (Van) Hankins of Waverly, Illinois, Linda (Gary) Galecki of Springfield, Illinois and Jennifer (Ken) Johnston of Indianapolis, Indiana; his sister, Janet (Olson) Ziegenfus of Bath, Pennsylvania; close nephew, John Bulger of Leominster, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. His brother, Howard, also preceded him in death.

Harold served in the US Navy for 3 years active duty stationed in the Pacific Theater during WWII as boilermaker technician 2nd class. He also served 5 years in US National Reserves.

Harold was a pastor for over 38 years, first serving with the Evangelical Covenant Church in parish ministry from 1956-1967 and later for the State of Illinois Mental Health as chaplain from 1967-1986. He was a visiting Pastor for the First Baptist Church, Galesburg, Illinois from 1986-1994.

He graduated from high school in Ridgway, Pennsylvania in 1939. He graduated from North Park Junior College in 1949, Houghton College, Houghton, New York in 1951 and North Park Seminary in 1956. Harold had served on the board and was past president for the Lincoln Rotary Club. He served several years on the Salvation Army Advisory Board in Lincoln. He was a past member of the Galesburg Rotary Club and the Galesburg Area Ministerial Association. Harold was a member of the Covenant Church.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at the Covenant Church. Rev. Tom Ek and Rev. James Ecklund will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am Tuesday at the Church. Burial will be in the East Linwood Cemetery in Galesburg with military honors. Memorials may be made to the Galesburg Covenant Church. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is handling arrangements for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.h-p-w.com.