Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson, born 1967 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died March 18, 2025 in Glenview, Illinois. Scott was our kid brother, the youngest of five children born to Richard Nelson and Janet (Sharpless) Nelson. He enlisted in the Air Force a year after graduating from Cedar Rapids Prairie High School and traveled the world. Maine, England, and Hawaii were his favorite postings. He loved living in Hawaii and returned there several times throughout his life. Being a gay man, Scott encountered discrimination and fought against it. After leaving the Air Force because of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, Scott moved to Chicago and continued to fight against discrimination in the workplace. At the time of his passing, he was employed by the IRS and worked with a fantastic group of talented individuals. He had discovered a love of beach volleyball while stationed in Hawaii, and this passion led him to meet many friends in Chicago, a close-knit group that supported Scott through his last days. Scott played in volleyball tournaments throughout the U.S., he was very competitive on the court, and he was a mentor to young players. Scott met Andrew Halvorson in Chicago and they enjoyed 25 years together. Scott and Andy were married in 2014, after Illinois legalized gay marriage. They traveled to several European countries and around the U.S., creating wonderful memories. Scott recently recalled a trip to the northern isles of Scotland, "who knew it would be so cold in Scotland in June!" This fierce spirit carried into his fight against malignant melanoma, a brave battle against a fearsome cancer, the same disease that took our dad in 1983. He was a wonderful sibling and husband, a loyal friend and co-worker, and a favored uncle to his two nieces, bringing the best birthday and Christmas presents. We all will miss him. Scott is survived by his husband Andy, his siblings Lori (Jim Fuller) Nelson, Lisa Lower and Kelly (Rodger Rufer) Nelson, his mother Janet Nelson, nieces Emily (Mitch) Graves and Arlette (Dillon) Blythe, bonus children Sara (Francois) Jean-Paul, Nathan Halvorson and Jenna Halvorson, grandson Jaden Jean-Paul, great-nephews Bennett Blythe and Lewis Graves, cousins and many friends. Scott was preceded in death by our father Dick, our brother John Perry in 2024, grandparents John and Chat Sharpless, and Donald and Evelyn Nelson. A Celebration of Life will be held in Chicago at a later date, as well as a graveside service at the Rochester Cemetery in Rochester, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Center on Halsted in Chicago.