John P. Nelson

John Philip Nelson, 88, of Tinley Park, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 21st, 2023, at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, IL. John was born in Blue Island, IL, in 1935, to the late Raymond P. Nelson and Irene L. Wolf (Rickhoff).
John was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as a Combat Engineer from 1953-1961. He was a skilled heavy equipment and crane operator, dedicating 40 years to The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150. He also served as a part-time patrolman for the Palos Park, Orland Park, and Calumet Park Police Departments for many years.
In his free time, he was an active member of the Blue Island American Legion Post #50 and was an usher at The Sacred Heart Shrine in Chicago. John's caring soul, contagious laugh, and funny stories will be missed by all who knew him. He was known for his polka-dot hats, ability to fix anything, famous BBQ ribs, and love of walleye fishing. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and attending family parties and gatherings. John cared deeply for his family and felt that his greatest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren.
John is survived by his daughter Margie DeLorme and son John Matthew (Jennifer); his grandchildren Tyler (Amber), Tim (Maddy), Zach, Miranda, Andrew, and Amelia; great-grandchildren Maggie, Ben, and Sam; and his sisters Patti Bennett and Pamela Ferrel; his beloved dog Lucy, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Patricia, and his children, Marianne DeBroka and Mark (Susan), and granddaughter, Caitlin.
The family would like to thank John's caregiver, Sherrie Harrenberg, for her care and compassion towards him. They would also like to extend their gratitude to Margie & Rich Mineika, Cindy Wolf, Mick Mclnerney, and his neighbors Tom & Delynn Flannery for their continual support and care.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 3rd, at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 S. Harlem Ave., Tinley Park, IL 60477, from 3 p.m. until time of Chapel Service at 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 4th, at Sacred Heart Mission Church, 11652 S. Church St., Chicago, IL 60643. Interment will follow with full military honors at 1pm at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. Memorials may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org) or the South Suburban Humane Society (www.southsuburbanhumane.org). For more information 708-532-1635 or www.vandenbergfuneralhome.com