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BORN
1967
DIED
2025
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Ken Nelson Obituary
Philo - Ken Nelson, 58, of Philo passed away at 1:23 a.m. Friday (Dec. 26, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. There will be a celebration at the Philo Tavern following the burial.
Ken was born Nov. 28, 1967, in Urbana, a son to Junior and Jerre Eaton Nelson. Both survive in Champaign. He married Beth Craig on Dec. 2, 1995, in Champaign, and she survives.
Also surviving are his children, Brady Nelson of Philo, Blair Nelson of Philo, Brenna Nelson of Champaign and Brant Nelson of Philo.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Kevin Nelson.
He was a referee for the IHSA for many years in basketball, football and baseball. He even had the honor of refereeing in several state finals.
He was an Illini, Bears and Cubs fan.
He will be missed by his friends and colleagues.
Memories and Condolences
for Ken Nelson
5 Entries
Don Taylor
December 30, 2025
Jr, sorry for your loss.
Dawn and John Isenhower
December 29, 2025
We are so sorry to hear about Ken´s passing. Such a great guy.
Janice & Bill Bleich
December 29, 2025
Ken did some refereeing for Judah Christian H.S. In the late1980´s when I served as the activities/sports coordinator at Judah Christian H.S. Our sympathies to his family and friends. Jan and Bill Bleich
Rick & Julie Allen
December 29, 2025
We are absolutely heartbroken for Jerre & Junior and Ken's family. We were next-door neighbors with Jerre & Junior for several years when our son was very young. Junior, Ken and Kevin would play ball with Rick & Ryan in our backyards. So many fun memories of those days. Our deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers go to Junior, Jerre, Ken's wife and his children. We are so very sorry for your loss.
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terence donovan
December 28, 2025
Floored by this news....
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