John Lewis Nelson, age 86, a resident of Glen Ellyn, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024. He was born September 25, 1937, in Kendall, Wisconsin to Elmer & Selma Nelson.

John was the youngest of five children and grew up in Wisconsin. When he was a teenager, the family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was there that he met his future wife, Jolene Mobley. The two were active in the Lutheran Church youth group (Luther League) and were cast as husband and wife in the play "Beyond Good Friday". Art imitated Life and John and Jolene were Married September 20, 1958, in the Little Brown Church in the Vale.

Prior to getting Married, John served in the Air National Guard in Iowa as an Airman Second Class for three years beginning in 1955. He was honorably discharged from service in 1958.

John had a successful career in sales which began at Swartz Office Supply Company in Wisconsin. He went on to work at Sherwin Williams Paint Company and eventually made a career move to Illinois to work for Pierce & Stevens Chemical, a division of Pratt & Lambert. While at Pierce & Stevens, John's talents were quickly recognized as a leader in the Central Region, and he advanced through the company for over 30 years before retiring in 1999.

Above all things, John truly loved his family. He was Blessed with five children, a son-in-law, two daughters in-law, eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He loved being a 100% Norwegian too!

His playful side would emerge when he would offer to make his in-laws "Honorary Norwegians". UFF DA! He loved carrying on family traditions and would spend countless hours making favorite holiday recipes – Norwegian Lefse and Kumla.

Growing up in Wisconsin made John a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan. But, after moving to Illinois, he became a Chicago Bears fan too! Summer was his favorite sports season and he enjoyed watching his beloved "Cubbies" most every day.

He also loved to dance which amazed his children. John would often be the first one on the dance floor with his infamous signature moves – the popular 50's music Jitterbug and Twist.

John was a child at heart and had an extensive train collection which he would set up every Christmas to the delight of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren (especially the mini-Snickers candy bars that would be in the train cars).

He loved the tranquility of working in the yard and gardening. John also loved the relaxation of camping...from the early years of family vacations in a tent to traveling across the country with Jolene in their luxury motorhome during retirement.

John was a strong, protective, loving, giving, generous, patient, loyal, gentle, humorous, kind, "frappuccino and chocolate malt loving" Father and Friend that we have been Blessed to have in our lives.

John, Johnny, Husband, Father, Dad, Daddy, Papa (to his puppies Hannah, Bentley and Gracie), Father-in-law, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle John, Friend, Proud Norwegian...you are so Loved.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

He is survived by his children Christine Nelson of Glen Ellyn, Julie (Jerry) Dean of Wheaton, Tom (Maria) Nelson of Mapleton, Illinois, David (Mary) Nelson of Wheaton; his grandchildren Katelyn (Sam) Haist, Krista (Patrick) Hopkins & Jesse Dean (Dana Eden); Danny (Brandi), Nathan, Seth & Faith Nelson; Lauren, Brittany, Luke (Marina) & Abigail Nelson; and nine great-grandchildren: Ava Heugel; Ezekiel Holmes; Eden, Chloe, & Norah Haist; Piper, Owen, and Quinn Joy Hopkins; and Lashanti Nelson. Also survived by his brother-in-law Raymond (Annie) Mobley and many beloved nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Jolene; his daughter Joy; his siblings Angeline Mussehl, Lyle Nelson, Clifford Nelson, and Delores "Doty" Prior.

A visitation will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, Illinois, on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Fountain Lutheran Church Cemetery in Juneau County, Wisconsin on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027