Harry Gladstone Nelson

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Roosevelt University University of Chicago

FUNERAL HOME

Zimmerman-Ehringer Funeral Home

7319 Madison Street

Forest Park, Illinois

Harry Nelson Obituary

Harry Gladstone Nelson, 84, passed away in Evanston on March 19. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. As a boy, he developed a ''friendly relationship with nature'' and decided to become an entomologist after hanging around the Field Museum of Natural History. He graduated from Englewood High School at 16 and attended the University of Chicago. He taught biology at Roosevelt University for 38 years and worked as an entomologist at the Field Museum for 50 years, where he is honored in an exhibit detailing his contributions. Fieldwork was Harry's passion and took him into 6,000 streams in 35 states and 11 Canadian provinces over a period of 47 years. His North American insect collection totaled some 500,000 specimens. At the age of 67, he began trips to China, India, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand, where he collected 25,000 insects from 350 sites. He truly fulfilled the ambition he wrote in his high school yearbook ''I entertain the notion of becoming a biologist at large''. A striking figure who sported colorful bow ties and a silver ponytail, he was interviewed on television during the O.J. Simpson trial because he had taught biology to the L.A. coroner. His enthusiasm for nature and science inspired many. He was highly principled in all his interactions, a committed supporter of progressive political and social ideas and a lifelong Cubs fan. Harry is survived by his first wife, Paula Starkey; sisters, Carol Hopkins and Janice Priest; brother, Gareth Nelson; daughters, Susan Rosales Nelson and Deborah Rosales Nelson; and grandson, Arlen Kian Parsa. He was predeceased by his second wife, Evelyn Yonan. A memorial gathering to celebrate the life of Harry Gladstone Nelson will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2006, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Zimmerman-Ehringer-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 W. Madison St. (2 blocks west of Harlem), Forest Park, IL, 60130. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Field Museum of National History (memo: Nelson Insect Fund) can be sent to Division of Insects, Attention James Boone, Department of Zoology, The Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605. Info, 708-366-2200.

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Published by Chicago Tribune from Apr. 5 to Apr. 7, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Nelson

7 Entries

Rich Worth

July 13, 2020

Thanks, Dr. Nelson, for helping to get an "A" in my last class before graduating from RU.

Nancy Dietz

September 1, 2006

Professor Nelson was the most influential teacher I had as a Biology student at Roosevelt University. I took every course he taught, whether I could make use of it or not. He instilled in me an appreciation for life that I could not have had without the benefit of his teachings. My condolences to his family.

Nancy Dietz

Class of 76

Linnea Priest

April 13, 2006

Uncle Harry was a wonderful model for living life fully. He was a wonderful uncle, too. We will miss him, and I am sorry that I could not be there with you for his memorial. Love to all of you!

Edwin Nelson Priest

April 12, 2006

Dear Cousins Susan and Debbie:

Uncle Harry was my favorite Uncle.

I loved spending time with him at the Christmas parties every year in Park Ridge with all of the area relatives. Once when we were kids, we got to go on a special tour behind the scenes at the Field museum. I remember how energized he would be talking about his bugs and he showed us some remarkable giant walking sticks. Very neat.

I also remember spending time at Grandma Nelson's in Park Ridge and having conversations with him and Grandma about her flowers and why he became a biologist. He was a joy to be around. I share your sorrow but also celebrate his zest for life.

Edwin Nelson Priest

Lisa Priest Horneck

April 12, 2006

I still remember the crunchy, chocolate covered bugs that he brought to our house one New Years day!

Yvonne Torke Blanch

April 9, 2006

I was 6 years younger than my cousin Harry and as a little girl chased him with his butterfly net at Grandpa Torke's farm in Cascade,Wi. He only came several times that I remember and our paths never crossed again.

Rick Anoe

April 8, 2006

Dear Susan and Deborah,

We were very sorry to read about your father’s death. I always liked him and thought of him as a very intelligent, kind and gentle person. I hope the two of you and your families are doing well. Say hello to Paula for me.

Love,

Rick and Gail Anoe

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