David E. Nelson

After a lifetime of commitment to his family and faith, David Nelson peacefully transitioned from his earthly bonds and failing health to his heavenly reward on January 23, 2024.

David was born on December 24, 1936 and spent his early years dairy farming with his father, grandfather and extended family at the landmark “Round Barn” that once stood along River Road, northwest of Marengo. He married the love of his life, Bethany Jamieson on September 12, 1959. They were soon blessed with two daughters, Connie Sue and Teresa Lynne. David was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Ruth Nelson; his sister, Donna and husband Don Willis and brother, John Nelson; two grandsons (James Cucovatz and Andrew Giblin) and Beth, his beloved wife for just shy of 60 years. He is survived by his daughters Connie (John) Giblin and Teresa (Joe) Buehler, grandchildren Bill (Katie) Giblin and Erin (Keith) Menge and 5 greatgrandchildren: Brennen, Kera, Ryleigh, Carter and Paisley, as well as his brother, Elmer (Beth) Nelson and sister-in-law, Donna Nelson.

As a young man, David worked as a pipefitter, and later, retiring after 26 years as a computer programmer for Sundstrand. In 1999, David was called back to Sundstrand to help with the “Y2K” computer issue. Once asked if the danger of worldwide computer collapse predicted for midnight on December 31, 1999 was real, or if all of the preventative preparation was effective, David laughed and said, “We will never know, will we?”

David and Beth were founding members of the Covenant Baptist Church in Marengo and for well over 40 years occupied every position of responsibility in the church, save that of Pastor, including serving as a Stephen Minister, providing a caring relationship for those who were hurting.

From 1960 to the early 1970’s, David was one of the initial volunteers to the Marengo Rescue Squad, serving as a first responder “on call, 24/7” and one year as Chief, he also served as city treasurer for Marengo. While living in Belvidere and later Rockford, he volunteered with Visiting Nurses Association Money Management Program and Gregory School.

David and Beth moved to Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center in 2018, where he was able to remain daily at her side as her health declined from Parkinson's. In 2022, he used his fine bass voice as part of the Fairhaven choir.

Quietly artistic, David was skilled in a number of endeavors: landscape painting, photography and most recently, adult coloring. A number of his Christmas-related coloring projects were put on display in 2023 at Fairhaven.

The family would like to thank all of his friends and the staff of Fairhaven and Northern Illinois Hospice for their care and assistance to David in his last weeks.

Memorial visitation will be from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024, followed by a memorial service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in David's name to Northern IL Hospice, https://northernillinoishospice.org/make-a-donation/ or Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center https://www.fairhaven.cc/gifts-giving/

Share memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com