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Eleanor Nelson Obituary
Eleanor was one of seven children born and raised on a farm near Princeton, Illinois. She was the sixth child of Herman and Selma Nelson born on October 28, 1923. She Graduated from Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois in 1944 and married Theodore P. Nelson, a Naval Officer and Augustana College graduate, on February 15, 1945 in Rock Island, Illinois.
She and Ted resided in Rock Island and raised four children; Ward, Bradley, Lee, and Leanna. After raising their family she earned a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Western Illinois University and was a Guidance Counselor at Edison Junior High School in Rock Island.
Eleanor's abiding and positive spirit was an inspiration to all who knew her. She took great pride in her family which was always her primary focus. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Rock Island and was a member of P.EO. Eleanor reveled in her Swedish heritage. She survived cancer over 30 years ago.
She helped create and sustain a family vacation home known as TeepsRock, on Burntside Lake in Ely, Minnesota where the family enjoyed many years of joyous fun. The lake property remains as part of her legacy to her extended family.
Eleanor was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother and five sisters. She is survived by her children; Ward (Marilyn) Nelson, Ely, MN, Bradley (Nancy) Nelson, Davenport, IA, Lee (Lorri) Nelson, Davenport, IA, and Leanna (Christopher) Moen, Moline IL. She was blessed with 10 Grandchildren; Amanda, Theodore, Lance, Ryan, Hettie, Tallie, Lucille, Todd, Britt, Lars and 19 Great Grandchildren.
Her ashes will be interred with her husband's in Swedehome, Nebraska, his birthplace.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Eleanor Lorraine Nelson will be May 10, 2025 at 12:00 noon with visitation at 10:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church, Rock Island, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers please direct any donations as a remembrance of Eleanor Nelson to either The Theodore P. and Eleanor L. Nelson Family Leadership Award, Augustana College, 639 - 38th Street, Rock Island, Il 61201 or St. John's Lutheran Church, 4501 - 7th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eleanor Nelson
Sponsored by Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home - Rock Island.
5 Entries
Elaine Musich
March 31, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Vickie M. Parker
March 29, 2025
Your P.E.O. sisters will miss your beautiful smile and wonderful presence. Our love is extended to your family. Rest in peace dear Eleanor.
Barb Nelson
March 27, 2025
Aunt Eleanor was always a favorite of the Idaho and Alaska nephew, niece-in-law and grands. I was just telling a friend right before she passed how lovely and "put together" she always looked, even in advanced age as her cognitive abilities declined. She was always full of love and fun. I know her kids, grands, and great grands will greatly miss her. Sending love to one and all.
Nola McQuigg
March 27, 2025
What a wonderful friend and colleague. Our family has many wonderful memories
of Eleanor and Ted. What a great life Eleanor lived. Jerry and I send heartfelt condolences to her family . Hugs to you all. Love Nola and Jerry McQuigg
Julie Bingham
March 27, 2025
Dear beautiful Eleanor, I hope you know how much your daughter and family loved you, may your soul rest in peace.
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Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home - Rock Island3030 - 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201
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