Roger Russell Nelson

1947 - 2026

Roger Russell Nelson

October 14, 1947 - February 5, 2026

Roger Russell Nelson graduated from Eureka College 1971 with a Bachelor's degree in Economics & Business. He joined Laborers' Local 362 May 1971 and was a 55 year member. He was a labor steward on major highway projects, always looking after the safety of the worker.

In 1922 was the last Labor Day Parade in McLean County, and in 1977, (55 years later) Roger and two other laborers were asked to once again organize the Labor Day Parade. The Parade today is the largest Parade in McLean County

In 1978 Roger assisted in establishing the Livingston-McLean County Union News and at the request of the Illinois AFL-CIO he published a book on all apprenticeships in the Building and Trades in the State of Illinois.

Roger served as organized labor's representative for the Federal Comprehensive Employment and Training Program (CETA) to assist the underemployed and youth for future employment.

When Roger was two years old, his parents purchased the home where he grew up and spent most of his youth. Roger was able to purchase the home from his mother and lived in his family home the rest of his life.

Roger is survived by his brother, Reed Nelson and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Anna (Mary) Reed Nelson.

Roger received excellent care from the hospice nurse, Mariah Steidinger, Synergy Home Care, Family, Friends and Laborers.

Special Thanks to: brother: Reed Nelson, cousin: Terry Everett and son Logan Everett, Julie McDermott and Susan Vericella, Marlene Ludwig Woodruff, Mariah Steidinger, Laborers of Laborers Local 362, John Penn and Jeff Secord.