Frank David Nelson, 72, of Wilton, died on Dec. 30, 2023, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House surrounded by family after a nine-year battle with cancer.
At his request no services will be held. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline.
Frank was born in Rock Island, Ill., on Aug. 3, 1951, a son of Paul R. and Yvonne (Johnson) Nelson. He graduated from Moline High School in 1969 and Black Hawk College. Frank married the love of his life and best friend Nancy Ann Thompson on April 15, 1972, and celebrated 51 years of marriage.
Frank retired from John Deere Harvester, East Moline, with 26 years of service. He was a certified welder and a proud member of UAW Local 865. He also worked 10 years as a welder at Raymond Corporation (Prime-Mover) in Muscatine, Iowa.
He loved restoring old vehicles, including his 1967 Chevelle Super Sport 396, a 1955 Chevy truck and a 1970 Bonneville convertible. He enjoyed doing home projects, gardening and visiting Hawaii. He was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan and NHRA Drag Racing fan. He loved his dogs and always had one or two underfoot. He dearly loved his children and was a wonderful father, patient and loving. He raised them both to have an excellent sense of humor.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, daughters Jennifer (Matthew) Neipert, and Amanda Nelson, East Moline, Ill. He is also survived by his brother Jimmy (Elaine) Nelson, Moline, Ill.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Linda Green.
Memorials may be sent to K9s for Warriors, https://www.k9sforwarriors.org.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House for their excellent care and support. Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.