Harry Nelson

DOW-  Harry Nelson, 85, died at 9:55 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Alton Memorial Hospital.He was born in Alton, IL. on Nov. 25, 1927, and was one the son of the late Arthur & Clara (Gerson) Nelson.Harry graduated from Jersey Township High School with the Class of 1945 and proudly served his country in Germany with the U.S. Army.He was an active individual who was dedicated to many organizations and charities throughout the area.  He loved his lord, and was a loyal and devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville, along with the Tri County Antique Club.Like his father, Harry loved farming.  In fact, he decided to leave the tryouts for the St. Louis Cardinals in order to come home and milk cows.  Farming was in his blood, but he was also an educated entrepreneur, designing and building loading chutes.Harry married the love of his life, the former Doris Gerson on July 30, 1964 at the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City, New York.  They shared nearly 46 years together before her death on Feb. 23, 2010.  They shared a happy life together, and shared the grief and sorrow of losing both their children at very young ages.Surviving are a brother,  Charles Nelson of Moab, Utah; two sisters, Kathryn Chronister of Grafton and Hazel Stubbelfield of Edwardsville; along with numerous loving nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, and his wife Doris, Harry was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Nelson on May 29, 1979; a son, Frank Nelson on Jan. 19, 1985; a brother, Robert Nelson; and a half brother, Emmett Nelson.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville, with Rev. Brent Meyer officiating.Burial will be in the Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Jerseyville.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home