ARTHUR K. NELSON Ph.D.

Arthur K. Nelson, Ph.D. of Batavia The funeral service for Arthur K. Nelson, Ph.D., 77, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 950 Hart Road, Batavia, with the Rev. Ronald Weidler officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Geneva. Born Aug. 28, 1932, the son of Arthur and Dorothy (nee Campbell) Nelson, in his beloved Washburn, Wis., a quaint village on the shores of Lake Superior, he passed away Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at his home in Batavia, after a courageous battle with cancer. After graduating from high school in 1950, Arthur earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin where he took pride in being a member of the Badger Marching Band. He then earned his Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry at the University of Minnesota. Early in his career, Dr. Nelson taught at Marquette University and Macalester College. He went on to work in chemical and research development at Stauffer Chemical Company and then at Nalco Chemical Company. Thereafter, he joined Zenith Radio Corporation working in advanced development engineering at the helm of their chemical and physical laboratory. In 1977, he joined Carus Chemical Company working in corporate business development and spearheading many innovative industries initiatives. In 1993, Dr. Nelson and Carus associate Peter Mein founded Specialty Products International, Inc. a global seller of inorganic products. His skills as a gifted technical writer, marketer and negotiator were invaluable contributions to the success of their venture. Dr. Nelson was a lifelong activist dedicated to protecting people from the adverse affects of chemical exposure. For decades, he spoke to governing bodies urging them to eliminate the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Whether addressing a small town park district or a large corporation, he was a tireless advocate for the environment. An avid gardener, he and his wife were very proud of their organic, native prairie landscape. His interests were varied. He was an aficionado of classical music and an accomplished pianist himself. He was a train buff and an avid reader whose thirst for knowledge never waned. He will be remembered as a longtime fan of the Green Bay Packers, a passion he shared with his daughter Lisa. He and his wife were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Shirley (nee Johnson); and his loving daughter, Lisa (Ed) Sandall of LaGrange. He was the loving grandfather to Luke, Linnea and Erik Nelson Sandall; and a cherished cousin to Mary Jane (Joseph) Jones Smyth and Donald (Toby) Nelson; as well as many other cousins; and is also survived by loyal friend and business partner, Peter Mein. He will be dearly missed by his family, his many friends and associates and all those who had the great fortune of knowing this humble, compassionate and insightful gentleman. Memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 950 Hart Road, Batavia, IL 60510 or Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life at www.mccl.org would be appreciated. Arrangements were made by the Malone Funeral Home, Geneva. For information, 630-232-8233.