Forrest D. Nelson, 95 years, 9 months, 1 day passed peacefully at Pleasant View in Ottawa.
To honor his wishes, he was cremated and a private burial will be held in Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Forrest was born January 17, 1920 in Miller Township, Marseilles to Truman and Tressa (Olson) Nelson. He attended one room country schools and for a brief time, Ottawa Township High School. As his father had failing health, he chose to help with the farm rather than continue with school.
In 1945 following his father’s death, he moved to Ottawa and worked at Prairie Farms collecting cream from the farmers. He then became a milk delivery man for Illinois Valley when dairy products were still delivered and left at people’s homes. And finally, he took his lifelong job at LOF working in the carpenter shop.
Forrest married Edna M. Mooney on August 7, 1951 and they spent the next 56 years together. They lived in Ottawa until they built their home in Fall River Township. He was a proud resident of the township, rarely missing the monthly meeting. For years he and Edna collected trash along Gentleman Road. He was very particular about his property, keeping everything neat and tidy.
Forrest & Edna took daily walks through their neighborhood. Although they would start out together, Edna would often find herself walking alone as Forrest had found someone along the way to talk to. Forrest and Edna enjoyed traveling and visited nearly every state in the union. For their 25th anniversary they traveled to Hawaii. In more recent years Forrest continued to travel with family members.
The last few years, Forrest joined LifeFit at OSF Hospital. His one hour program normally took two to three hours because it was a great place to socialize.
When he was diagnosed with a serious health problem last spring, he decided not to pursue any treatments and make the most of his remaining time. Forrest was a very fortunate man to have lived so long and so well. Still traveling, living on his own, attending any & every event possible, managing his own business, and maintaining his property.
During his life he never met a stranger and was always quick to start a conversation. Having an uncanny memory, he could relay stories of 70 years ago as if they had just taken place. Forrest was always the one to go to with family questions. He was always able to connect the dots and present a complete picture. The family has lost its historian.
During the last several months of his life he coined a new phrase. “I had a good life. I had a good wife. What more can a man ask for?”
He is survived by his sister, Shirley Hackler of Ottawa, brother, Larry Nelson, Marseilles, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Edna, infant daughter, JudithAnn, parents, Truman & Tressa Nelson, sister, Kathryn Hermann, and brothers, Lyle Nelson and Lavern Nelson.
Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or to the donor’s choice.
Nelson is laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.
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