Mr. Curtis G. Nelson

Curtis G. Nelson, 87, of Woodhull, died at 6:20 a.m. Monday, December 3, 2018 in Clarissa Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Curtis was born June 18, 1931 in Henry County, the son of Evan and Hildore (Carlson) Nelson.  He married Patricia Zook on June 16, 1956 in Rio.  She preceded him in death on February 11, 2010.  He later married JoAnn Johnson Day in Rio.

Curtis is survived by his wife, JoAnn; five children, Christine Johnson of Altona, Jim (Lori) Nelson of Bixby, Oklahoma, Mike Nelson of Brimfield, Sara (and Richard) Guenther of Washington, and David Nelson (Kristan Pica) of Rio; two bonus children, Susie Fahey of Elgin and John (Susan) Day of Vestavia, Alabama; 10 grandchildren, Matthew (Jiliane) Johnson, Kimberly Johnson (Mitchell Kitterman), Amber Nelson, Elizabeth Nelson, Andrew (Abbi) Guenther, Jacob (Jessica) Guenther, Samuel Guenther, Caleb Guenther, Joseph Guenther, and Isaac Guenther; seven bonus grandchildren, Kelly (Tim) Gentleman, Megan (Dan) Monty, Brian Fahey, Katie Day, Ford Day, Drew Carter, and Kendall Carter; eight great grandchildren, Ava, Lauren, Wravenna, and Nathaniel Johnson, Ariella Nelson, Aria and Juliet Guenther, and Gabe Bryan; three bonus great grandchildren, Johnny and Joey Gentleman and Nathan Monty; several nieces and nephews; and his longtime friend, Russ (Nan) Swanson.  In addition to his first wife, he is preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Nathaniel Johnson; a sister, Jean Hager; and two brothers, Vaughn and Robert Nelson.

He was raised in Altona until 1957 when he moved to Rio, where he lived for most of his life.  Curtis was a member of the first graduating class of ROVA High School in 1949, where he was a member of the basketball team that went to state.  He enlisted in the United States Army in 1952 and was in Korea when the war ended.  He worked the rest of his life as a farmer and in the fertilizer business for Crop Production Services.  He retired in 1998.

Curtis is a member of the Rio Presbyterian Church.  He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #685 in Rio and the Oneida American Legion.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf.  The family took fishing trips to Canada for 32 years.  Curtis enjoyed participating in the Honor Flight in 2014.

The family would like to thank everyone at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House for their kindness and compassionate care.

Masonic services will be at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, December 6, 2017 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel.  Visitation will follow from 5 to 8 p.m.  Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, December 7, 2018 at Rio Presbyterian Church with Rev. Maura McGrath Nagle officiating.  Military honors will be provided at the church before private family burial in Rio Baptist Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Rio Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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