Thomas E. Nelson was called to Heaven on May 7, 2026, for his meeting with his Lord, and then a grand reunion with his love and wife, Janet. He lived in Machesney Park, Illinois for the past three years at TLC Assisted Living and passed away at the age of 94. Thomas was born on October 18, 1931, in Rome, New York, the thirteenth of fourteen children to James and Elizabeth Shanley. When he was 1 and a half years old his mother passed away. He was then placed in a catholic orphanage in Utica, New York. Just a few short months later, he was adopted by Earl and Mary Nelson and raised on the family farm in Spinnerville, New York. He learned to work at a very young age. His Grandpa Nelson was his teacher, his disciplinarian, but most of all, his best buddy. He would go on to graduate from Ilion Central High School in 1949, and that September he joined the U.S. Marine Corp and retired in 1979. Thomas married Janet M. Dado in 1953 in Amsterdam, New York. Janet went to be with the lord in May of 2015, after 62 wonderful years of marriage. After a full career with the U.S. Marine Corp, Thomas would continue his career path with over 20 years of service to Castle Rock Container in Adams, Wisconsin, where he officially retired from as a supervisor. After 40 years, Thomas was able to find his brothers and sisters, and they were able to have a family reunion after 50 years apart. He was a member of the DAV (disabled American Veterans), the American Legion, and the FRA (Fleet Reserve Association). Thomas had a vast variety of things he loved, ranging from woodworking (specializing in doll houses), family dogs, his flower beds and baskets, squirrels, and donkeys; but most of all, Thomas loved God, his family, and his country. Family, friends, and everyone who had the honor of knowing him, will miss this true patriot.

Thomas and Janet were blessed with four wonderful and very successful sons, James (Sheila) of Cedarburg, WI, Terry (Ellie) of Elkhorn, WI, Randy of Wayne, IL, and Tom (Lori) of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; 11 grandchildren Ryan, Kyle, Carly (Chad) Fair, Pat (Erin), Colin (Bethany), Troy (Fiancée Melanie), Joe, Kurt (Carly), Connor (Connie), Kelly (Ben) Brueggen, and Mack (Anne); and 15 great-grandchildren Ty, Gavyn, Stella, Finley, Toben, Afton, Grace, Addie, Sadie, Weston, Lyla, Sloane, Collins, Edie and Josie. He is also survived by his niece, Sharon, and his dedicated friends and tablemates at TLC Assisted Living. Thomas is preceded in death by his wife, Janet; his parents and adoptive parents, his brothers and sisters, as well as many beloved family dogs.

A very special and heartfelt thank you to TLC Assisted Living, OSF’s Cancer Center, OSF’s palliative care team, as well as Heather Hartman, for all of the care and compassion they’ve all shown to Thomas and our family.

A time to gather and honor Thomas’s life will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service, 1:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to be made to the Shriners Childrens, or to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com

Attn: Shriners Children's 

PO Box 947765 

Atlanta, GA 30394

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation 

Gift Processing Administrator 

18251 Quantico Gateway Drive 

Triangle, VA 22172