"Ron was a wonderful, father, husband, grandfather and brother. He was a sweet kind man always willing to help in times of need. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Ron will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Until we see each other once again. We love you. "
In loving memory of
Ronald Nelson
March 25, 1960 - March 14, 2020
Ronald Joseph "Ron" Nelson, age 59, of Quincy, died Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 1:08 pm in Blessing Hospital of acute respiratory failure and acute renal failure.
Ronald was born March 25, 1960, in Quincy, Illinois, the last child and second son of Carl Allen and Rita Marie (Schnier) Nelson. He married Sandra (Steer)Farrell on May 16, 1991, in Quincy. She survives.
Ron attended Quincy schools and lived most of his life in the Quincy area. One brief change of residence to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi after Hurricane Elena in 1985, allowed him to meet the love of his life, Sandy. Who he promptly brought back to Quincy and later married. She became the world to him.
Ron worked with his hands his whole life and was a master fabricator at heart. He could build anything. He possessed a rarely found connection between brain and hands that allowed him to form metal or wood into anything he willed it to be. He also had an iron work ethic that pushed him forward. But, as his health worsened, he eventually ceded to its realities and retired as the shop foreman of Century Sign in Quincy.
Ron was a kind and compassionate man who considered most everyone his friend and would help anyone who asked. He was the kind of man who, if you called him at 2 a.m. needing his help, his next words would be, "I'm on my way." Anyone who ever talked to him always walked away with something learned or something they could carry with them the rest of their life. Truly, he was a remarkable man.
But, above all else, Ron was a family man who valued family more than anything else. He will be sorely missed by all the loved ones he left behind.
In addition to his wife Sandy, survivors include: two sons: Brian (Baily) Nelson of Quincy, IL; and Brandon (Alysha) Farrell of Payson, IL; six grandchildren with one on the way: Bryton Anthony and Brecken Troy Nelson; and Haley Elizabeth Rose, Haden, Gage, and Isaac Farrell; a brother, Stephen (Neva) Nelson of Quincy; a sister, Lisa (Steve) Ballard of Plymouth, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Sandra "Sandy" Miller and Donna Lee Briggs; and a half-brother, Mark Keith Nelson of Elkhorn, Nebraska.
Services: A joint celebration of life service will be held graveside to honor both Ron and his sister, Donna, at 1 p.m., Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Calvary Cemetery, Quincy, IL, the 100th birthday of their mother Rita.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Quincy Humane Society is suggested.
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors in Quincy are in charge of the arrangements.
www.hansenspear.com
Tributes
"I have known the Nelson family since grade school days and you rarely see the kind of love and selflessness and devoted family that they became with the strong love and devotion of their Mother, Rita. I remember the days we would take the one car back to the Vets home so Rita had the car when she got off work. I feel privileged to have known the family, but I am closer due to age with Lisa Ballard. I sure missed Donna's passing, wow. My deepest sympathy to the entire family. I will reach out, Lisa. I am h9mored to be your friend and my heart goes out to you all. Take care."
"Ronnie was a good man. My sincerest condolences to the family for your great loss. I pray God's blessings of peace and comfort on you all as you grieve."
"Uncle Ron I?m going to miss you so much! The time we had during the summers when we would come stay, I?ll never forget. I know your no longer in pain. Please keep mom company up there! Rest easy Uncle Ron! Love you always, Pammie"
"One of the finest men I have ever known and he earned my complete respect in the 30 years that we worked together. Ron was a truly a master craftsman and fabricator and examples of his abilities are on exhibit everywhere in the tri-state area. My deepest condolences to Sandy, his sons and all of his family. He will be missed by all but know he was loved. "
"Ronnie was always around our house n he was soooo cool? he was laid back n pleasent....ALWAYS?? gone too soon Ronnie, but you left a great footprint in this world? kiss my babies n see ya on the other side brother???"
"A good friend of many years... What a shock. My prayers to Sandy and the boys... Love you Ronnie, til we meet again buddy."
"My condolences to the Nelson family. May God comfort you all in this hard time."
"A really good man loving father and husband and a wonderful younger brother going to miss you greatly"