Conrad J. Nelson

Conrad Joseph Nelson, 28, passed away Friday at Unity Point Health-Trinity Rock Island. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, 6601 38th Ave., Moline. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. Burial will be held at Rose Lawn Cemetery, Moline, following the service. Memorials may be made to the Moline Foundation, The Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, or the charity of your choice.

Conrad was born November 2, 1989, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Gail L. (Latham) and Randall C. Nelson. He attended Moline Public Schools, graduating in 2008. He was voted Homecoming King by his classmates. He attended Black Hawk College. He was a strong advocate for medical marijuana.

Conrad bravely battled Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) till the very last. But before this disease claimed him he was an enthusiastic student, played baseball, rode his bike, learned to swim, went fishing and sledding and raised havoc around the neighborhood.

But Conrad’s defining characteristic was his gift for friendship. He was funny, generous, empathetic, and a good listener. He had an amazing community of loyal friends who loved him, visited him constantly and took him to the movies. Conrad loved the Bears and the Cubs — especially the Cubs. He proudly said the Cubs won the World Series on his birthday.

Conrad was an avid gamer. His parents will miss (sort of) the raucous Mario Kart games down in his space in the basement that ended in loud laughter, epithets, breaking glass, slamming doors and people stomping to their cars.

Scores of talented, caring physicians, providers, and caregivers did their best to help improve Conrad’s quality of life over the years. His parents will attempt to thank them all individually.

Survivors include his parents, Moline, his brother Evan (Hilary) Nelson and a niece Esme, Moline, aunt and uncle Michael and Joni Griffin, Moline, aunt and uncle Nancy and Rick Hancks, Woodbury, MN, aunt and uncle Rick and Bobbi Nelson, Centennial, CO, and eight cousins. He also loved his two ‘kitters’ Tessa and Ashton who miss him terribly.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Hollis and Imogene Nelson and his maternal grandparents Jo Hansen and George Latham.