Carl Nelson

GALVA – Carl A. Nelson, 87, of Galva, died at 12:23 a.m., Friday, January 27, 2023 at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 1 at Rux Funeral Home in Galva with Pastor Katie Gallagher officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Military rites will be accorded after the service at the funeral home followed by burial at Galva Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Messiah Lutheran Church.                                                                                                                                

He was born November 14, 1935 in Galesburg, the son of William and Edna (Blomquist) Nelson. He married Barbara L. Kuster on July 18, 1959 at the Bishop Hill Methodist Church. She survives as do three daughters, Diane Nelson and Sharon Nelson, both of Galva and Lara Medley (Court Monaghan) of Hudson, CO, two grandchildren, Spencer Medley of Bishop Hill and Emma Medley of Malabar, FL, two brothers, Ivan Nelson of Missouri and Dean (Sandy) Nelson of Michigan and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Dolores Entrekin, two brothers, William Nelson and Ralph Nelson and a son-in-law, Kris Medley.

Carl graduated from the first class of Alwood High School in 1953. He then attended and graduated from Western Illinois University and then from Northern Illinois University. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-58. One of his first stations was at O’Hare Airfield before it was known as O’Hare Airport. He was a teacher and principal in various school districts including Downer’s Grove, Galva, Wethersfield, Neponset, Winola and Aurora. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and its choir and the Henry County Beef Feeders. He was also a member of the Galva American Legion where he had been commander and a member of the Galva Fusiliers. He enjoyed bowling and woodworking and was a St. Louis Cardinal Fan and a Chicago Bears Fan. He was very proud of his Swedish Heritage and his family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carl Nelson, please visit our floral store.