Robert "Bob" Nelson

Robert G. “Bob” Nelson, 84, of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Sunday, Feb 16, 2014.

Bob was a lifetime resident of Crystal Lake having been born there on June 26, 1929 to George and Rose Nelson (nee Gaebe). He graduated from Crystal Lake Central High school in 1947 having been a varsity basketball player and went on to play for Northern Illinois University.

Bob proudly served in the Army during the Korean War, then returned home to marry his sweetheart, Barbara Brayton. They celebrated 55 wonderful years together and had three loving children who will miss him.

There were many interests that were dear to Bob. He loved to fish at his cabin in Wisconsin, and his house on Kristy Lane in Cary was a favorite. He was an avid outdoorsman and liked to “tinker” with objects in and outside of the house. He volunteered many hours to the McHenry County Historical Society and also at Cary United Methodist Church. He was the first on the scene to help his children whenever they needed something done. Bob also organized an Easter egg hunt that became a welcomed family tradition every year.

He spent his last years residing at Sunrise Assisted Living in Crystal Lake, where he was cared for by a loving and caring staff who met his every need. Bob is now with the love of his life, Barbara.

He will be missed by his children, Linda (Paul) Hoefert, Bob Nelson, and Susan (Dennis) Rasmussen; loving grandchildren, Alex, Andrew, Dana (Jessica), Erik (Erica), and Kyle (Tiffani); 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Melvin Nelson; niece, Mary; and nephew, Mark.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 20th from 3pm until 8pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (IL Route 176), Crystal Lake, IL 60014. A brief visitation will be held the following day, Friday, February 21 from 9:30am until the time of the funeral service at 10am at Cary United Methodist Church, 500 North First St, Cary, IL 60013. Burial will follow at McHenry County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the McHenry County Historical Society, 6422 Main St, Union, IL 60180 or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

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