Ronald V. Nelson

Ronald V. Nelson, age 74, of Kirkwood, Illinois passed away on Sunday April 6, 2025. Ron was born on June 15, 1950 in Galesburg, Illinois and is the son of Vail and Louise (Rask) Nelson. Ron graduated from Yorkwood High School in 1968. He then graduated from Monmouth College and the University of Illinois. He married the love of his life, Sue Haynes on June 11, 1977. Ron spent most of his career as a Certified Financial Planner. He also founded Nelson Sports Collectibles, selling and collecting bobbleheads. Ron spent many years playing golf, which included a hole in one in a local tournament and an attempt at beating the Guinness Record for most holes in a day, playing 245 straight holes. He collected Ducks Unlimited, model trains, bobbleheads and Santas. He enjoyed spending his time doing yard work, mowing, fishing and being with his family. Those left to cherish Ron's memory include his wife, Sue Nelson of Kirkwood, his children, Emily Gaede and Kevin of Muscatine, Iowa and Abbey Greenlief and Ryan of Orion, Illinois. His grandchildren, Nolan, Gretchen, Vivian, and Josie Gaede, Maggie, Macie, and Morgan Greenlief, and his siblings Sandy Johnson and Jim of Kirkwood, Illinois and Judith Ross of Kirkwood, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews. Ron is preceded in his death by his parents, Vail and Louise Nelson, brother Doug Nelson, and great nephew, Matt Repp.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held honoring Ron, on Saturday August 9th, 2025 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the Nelson home. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com