Robert James Nelson
February 13, 1936 — October 13, 2017
Robert James Nelson, 81, of East Moline, IL, went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 13, 2017, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island, Rock Island, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, October 16, 2017, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Avenue, Moline. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 15, 2017, at the funeral home. Burial will be at the National Cemetery at the Rock Island Arsenal. Memorials may be made to Living Hope Community Church.
Robert was born on February 13, 1936, in Geneseo, IL, the son of Elon and Roberta Monthe Nelson. He married Glenda Marlene Horn on December 1, 1961, in Moline, IL. He graduated from Moline High School and attended Black Hawk College. He worked as a switchman for Rock Island Lines Railroad and was a federal officer for the Rock Island Arsenal, retiring in 1999.
He was a veteran, having proudly served in the United States Air Force. Prior to his service in the military, he played American Legion Semi-pro baseball.
Robert was a member of Living Hope Community Church where he served as a charter member and council member. He was very active in multiple behind-the-scene ways. He was a quiet man but known for his dry humor.
Survivors include his wife, Glenda Marlene Nelson; children, Rev. Renee (Dennis) Holm, Dr. Jay (Sharon) Nelson, and Mark Nelson; daughter-in-law, Diane Nelson; grandchildren, Phillip (Marci) Nelson, Wayne (Ashley) Holm, and David (Chelsea) Nelson; great grandchildren, Hannah and Kaelyn; sister, Doris Peterson; many nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and friends; cat, Missy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gretchen Pobanz.
Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.