Thomas A. Nelson

Thomas A. Nelson, 88, passed away on August 16, 2025, after having been severely incapacitated by a stroke in 2020. Born on March 1, 1937, he is the son of the late Milton and Mary Nelson. Tom had taught at St. Patrick’s, Wilson Junior High, Guilford and Rock Valley in the 1960s before founding TAN Books and Publishers, Inc. in 1967 and an accompanying printing plant in 1978. At a time of confusion in the Catholic world, TAN became known for publishing reliable Catholic books, including many reprints of classic works. These included The Secret of the Rosary (over 5 million sold) and many booklets which were sold at drastic quantity discounts for widespread distribution. While always thinking big and desiring to influence the world for good, Tom struggled with financial difficulties which eventually led to TAN's being acquired by St. Benedict Press in 2008 and moving to North Carolina, where it has flourished and grown.

Tom had maintained a remarkably positive attitude in the past five and a half years, being forced to learn patience and acceptance. During this trial he had often been consoled by an image of Our Mother of Good Counsel. Tom had received the Last Sacraments and the Apostolic Pardon, and he died wearing the brown scapular and a miraculous medal.

Tom is predeceased by his parents, his brother Bob Nelson (and wife Mary), sister Kay McDevitt (and husband Bill), brothers-in-law Ed Havens and Richard Anderson, and by several nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sisters Mary Havens and Barbara Anderson and by several nieces and nephews. Tom is also survived by his longtime employee and old friend Mary Frances Lester, who attempted to play the role of "guardian angel" to him during his last years. Tom's loved ones are grateful to the staff of St. Anne Place, who cared for him these many years.

A Requiem Mass will be offered on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Oratory, 517 Elm St, Rockford, IL 61102 with a visitation prior to Mass starting at 10:00 a.m. A night-before visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary Oratory or Corpus Christi Monastery of the Poor Clares.