George Nelson

George Nelson died on September 17, 2025 at Shell Point Village in Fort Myers, Florida. George loved the Lord and committed his life to Christ when he was a young child. He was confirmed at Hauge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois at age 13. In 1953, while serving in combat in Korea, he made a renewed commitment to Christ after reading Psalm 27.

George William Nelson Jr. was born in Chicago Illinois on January 5, 1929. His father, George Nelson Sr., worked for the Chicago Transit Authority managing power stations. His mother, Clara Foxfog Nelson worked for the Lutheran Day Nursery.

George's family life centered on the church. Worship, Sunday school and choir filled each week with a buzz of activity. The Norwegian heritage of Hauge put an emphasis on social gatherings and pot luck suppers featuring an extensive variety of food; including an ample selection of colored jello dishes, mushy vegetables, creamy puddings, lefse, and sometimes lutefisk.

His two older brothers, Warren and Lowell, preceded him at Locke Elementary School and Steinmetz High School. George went to St. Olaf college in Minnesota majoring in business. He returned to Chicago to follow his dad in employment at the CTA. This was interrupted by his military service.

George returned to his job at the CTA and married Martha Jane Varland in 1954. They soon moved to Ottawa, Illinois where he worked on his father in law's farm during the day while he studied for a degree in education.

George found his perfect niche in junior high teaching and he moved his young family, with daughters Rebecca and Sarah, to Wheaton where he settled for the rest of his working life. He mastered information which he retained with amazing clarity. He had strong opinions and found great pleasure in sparring about his ideas and convictions.

George and Martha, always working as a team, started attending College Church in Wheaton in 1962 and they loved serving together. They taught Sunday School (particularly kindergarten) and sponsored meals and activities for 60 Plus (now called Keenagers).

George was always happiest when he was surrounded by people. He loved his extended family and looked forward to large family get togethers. These parties included meals- especially pie, a softball game, trivia games, sharing pictures from a slide carousel, and singing hymns.

Martha died in 1998 and at the age of 70 George married Rosemarie (Rodey) Johnson. They were acquaintances from Steinmetz High School. George enjoyed being part of a new family of stepchildren, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 2002 George and Rodey moved to Shell Point Village in Florida where they connected to a new community.

After Rodey's death in 2023 George remained surrounded by a group of loving friends and caregivers at the Springs at Shell Point. He enjoyed eating with friends, playing rummikub, debating politics, speeding his electric cart around the halls, and driving his car. He continued to attend the Village Church at Shell Point.

George is survived by his daughters Sarah Nelson and Rebecca (Ed) Wevik; Rodey's children Kristin Johnson, Peter (Maria) Johnson, Elizabeth Pearson, and Brad (Sara) Johnson; and many step grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Information about a memorial will be available later.