Lawrence Nelson

Lawrence Nelson, 92, of Kankakee, passed away December 3, 2018. He spent a number of years in Arizona before returning to Kankakee County in early 2017. His home for the last two years was the Memory Care Unit at Citadel of Kankakee. Born September 17, 1926, in Kankakee County, “Larry” was the son of the late Theodore and Angela Boucher Nelson. He married Alma “Mae” Brais on September 6, 1947, and upon her passing, he married Louise White on September 29, 1989. A long-time resident of Rockville Township and a former Rockville Township board member, Lawrence graduated from St. George High School, where he served as the neighborhood “school bus driver”. He farmed family land in “Flickerville” for a number of years while also spending 42 years as a devoted employee of A.O. Smith. In addition to spending time with his family and friends and cheering for the Cubs, Larry heartily enjoyed square dancing. He is survived by his second wife, Louise Nelson (Arlington, Texas) and six children from his first marriage. John (Sandy) Nelson, Manteno, Ron (Florrie) Nelson, South Bend, Mike (Joan) Nelson, Manteno, Mark (Gail) Nelson, Mattoon, Wanda Pharis, Bourbonnais, and Lisa Lillis Bourbonnais. He is also survived by siblings Nyla “Red” Nelson Sage Haws, Kankakee, and Robert (Pat) Nelson, Bradley. His 11 surviving grandchildren include Stephanie Nelson Miller (Dan), Shane Nelson (Karen), Tim Nelson (Jennifer), Jennifer Nelson, Christina Nelson, Brea Nelson Harms (Ryan), Paul Nelson (Heather), Ryan Lillis (Blair), Miranda Mae Nelson Williams (Mike), Emily Nelson, and Dakota Nelson. He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren, including Alex and Avery Williams, Bryce and Christina Nelson, Carter and Addison Harms, Grace Nelson, Ava and Ella Nelson, Jace and Tanner Lillis, Claudia Nelson and Joshua Valdez as well as multiple step-children, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren from his second marriage. He was preceded in death by his first wife Mae, as well as by two grandchildren, Shannon Marie Nelson and Jace Bryant Lillis. On Saturday, December 8, a graveside memorial service will be held in the Chapel at All Saints Cemetery in Bourbonnais at 11 a.m. Cremation services have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Kankakee Valley Hospice or to the Memory Care Unit at Citadel of Kankakee.

Lawrence Nelson

September 17, 1926 - December 3, 2018