Michael Nelson

Name: Visitation
Start: 05/30/2024 04:00 PM
End: 05/30/2024 07:00 PM
Location: Delehanty Funeral Home

November 17, 1958 — May 23, 2024

Michael A. Nelson, 65, of Rockford, IL, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024, in his home with his wife at his side following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born November 17, 1958, in Rockford, the son of Kenneth G. and Valerie M. (Kotche) Nelson. Graduated from Harlem High School, Class of 1976, received his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in 1979 and went on to receive his MBA from Northern Illinois University. He married the love of his life, Amy D. Peters on August 29, 1987, in Rockford. Mike and Amy enjoyed 37 years of marriage and together they shared two wonderful children. Mike started his career at J.L. Clark Mfg. (Clarcor) in 1980 as a management trainee. In 1986, he joined Sundstrand Corporation (Collins Aerospace) where he spent 33 years in the Contracts Management organization until his retirement in 2019. Mike was a respected leader, mentor and friend to many throughout his accomplished career. He was very generous and active in organizations like United Way and volunteered his time to help mentor high school students interested in business as a Junior Achievement Advisor. In retirement, Mike and Amy spent a great deal of time in Siesta Key, FL, where they thoroughly enjoyed their new life of great weather, great friendships, and an active lifestyle filled with golf, pickleball, and walking the beach. Mike and Amy especially enjoyed traveling across the globe. However, they did not forget Rockford, where they spent half the year with an equally active social life filled with enjoying their family and the lifelong friendships that were there. Mike will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful, and sociable man who was quick to forge relationships and who was thoroughly devoted to his wife, family, and friends. He loved the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking, and he had a passion for sports. Mike truly loved to participate in sports and competitive games, and his fandom for his Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks were obvious to all his friends. Mike was a very special husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and a dear friend to so many others. Survivors include his loving wife, Amy; son, Derek (Marissa) Nelson of Roscoe, IL; daughter, Rachel (Alex) D’Aiuto of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Henry Nelson, Sam Nelson, Britta D’Aiuto; and brother, Kelly Nelson of Loves Park; uncles, Ron Kotche of Florida and Burt Rolland of Indiana; many very dear and special cousins who he had very close relationships with. Predeceased by his parents.

Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL. Service at 11 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, in the funeral home preceded by visitation from 10 a.m. to service time. Cremation rites accorded. Inurnment at a later date in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Machesney Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

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