Charles Dean Nelson

Graveside services for Charles “Dean” Nelson, 84 of Viola, are Thursday at 3:30 PM at the Viola Cemetery, with Military Honors conducted by the Mercer County VFW Post #1571. Visitation is Thursday from 1 to 3 PM at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, New Windsor. Dean died on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at the Mercer County Nursing Home. Charles Dean Nelson was born on October 6, 1927 in Mercer County, Illinois to Paul & Eva (Thompson) Nelson. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Dean married Florence “Beverly” Spivey on October 25, 1951 in Rock Island. Dean dedicated his life to farming in Greene Township. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, where he served on the Church Board and was a previous member of the Winola School Board and the Viola Masonic Lodge. Dean also enjoyed golfing. Dean is survived by his wife of 60 years, Beverly; children and spouses: Deborah Inez Nelson of Norfolk, VA; Diane & Doyle Kellett and Steven Dean & Diane Nelson all of Aledo; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; a brother, Dale Nelson of Menomonie, WI and a sister, Ila Robinson of Aledo. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Leroy “Spud” Nelson.