Ronald S. Nelson

Ronald S. Nelson (March 31, 1941 – January 12, 2026) was born and raised in Chicago, the
beloved son of O'Neil and Myrtle Nelson. He attended Chicago Public Schools and remained
deeply connected to his Bateman classmates throughout his life, valuing friendships that
endured for decades. Ron also doted on his younger sister, Patricia Gail, taking seriously his
role as her big brother.
After high school, Ron entered the U.S. Army, where he served as a wartime cook in Germany
from 1963–1965. He spoke often-and fondly-of his time in the Army, especially the
camaraderie he found there and the friendships that shaped his young adulthood.
Following his military service, Ron returned to Chicago and began a career in sales, a
profession perfectly suited to an extroverted, gregarious man who truly never met a stranger.
Conversation came easily to Ron, and he had a gift for making people feel seen, remembered,
and welcomed.
Ron's life changed when a cousin introduced him to Claudia Johnson. The two fell in love and
were married in 1971. Together, they built a life in Chicago-a city Ron loved deeply and
delighted in sharing with out-of-town visitors. To provide for their family, Ron worked tirelessly,
including delivering pizza on evenings and weekends. Summers often found Ron and Claudia
on cross-country road trips, reveling in the beauty of the country as they traveled to visit
Claudia's family in Washington.
In 1980, Ron and Claudia welcomed their only child, Jennifer. Ron's devotion to his daughter
shaped the rest of his life. He fiercely loved his people and worked hard to give Jen the best life
possible-cheering her on at countless junior high basketball games (despite her admitted lack
of athletic talent), trying not to cringe as she published yet another controversial editorial in the
school newspaper, and delighting in hearing her play the piano. Ron valued hard work and
saving, principles that ultimately allowed him to pay for his daughter's college
education-something he took great pride in.
As Jen built her own family, Ron gained a son-in-law, Doug, whom he came to love and rely on
deeply. Doug spent countless hours caring for Ron-driving him to appointments, advocating for
him, and showing up again and again with patience, kindness, and quiet faithfulness.
Around the same time, Ron also reluctantly-but ultimately wholeheartedly-welcomed his
brother-in-law, Larry, into the family. Though Larry's veganism was a frequent source of good-
natured teasing and mild bewilderment for a man who loved food, Ron was grateful for the love
and joy Larry brought his little sister, Patti.
Ron loved music, especially opera, and was a faithful reader of the newspaper. One of his most
distinctive expressions of care was clipping articles and sharing them with friends and family-a
simple but meaningful way of letting you know he was thinking of you.
Ron was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Park Ridge, where he happily
served as an usher-largely, he joked, to avoid listening to the sermons. He also served on the
Community Concerns Committee, partnering with local organizations to address homelessness
in Rogers Park, a quiet but steady reflection of his belief in caring for his community.
Later in life, Ron found new joy in becoming a grandfather. He warmly welcomed his
granddaughters, Hope (2015) and Kendall (2019), delighting in their baked goods and
celebrating as they, too, began playing the piano and singing. Some of his last and best days
were spent listening to Hope and Kendall play the piano at Churchill Memory Care, moments
filled with music, love, and deep contentment.
Ron will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, his steady devotion to family, his love of
music and conversation, and the many small ways he let people know they mattered.
Visitation Thursday January 15, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home located at 430 E. Roosevelt Rd. in Wheaton, IL.
Funeral Service Friday January 16, 2026 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Chicago
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Anima-the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus that Hope is involved in-reflecting Ron's love of music. Write Ron Nelson in the tribute.
For information 630-668-0016 or www.williams-kampp.com