Gerald "Jerry" W. Nelson

Gerald “Jerry” W. Nelson, 96, of Rock Island, passed away Saturday January 18, 2025, at Silver Cross Health and Rehabilitation.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday January 25, 2025, at Bethany Baptist Church, 700 35th Avenue Place, Moline. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Cremation will follow services, and inurnment will be at Rose Lawn Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church or Friendship Manor.

Jerry was born on July 17, 1928, in Rock Island, the son of Willard and Elsie (Stearns) Nelson. Jerry lived most of his childhood life in and around Moline, graduating from Moline High School in 1946. He later attended Augustana College, taking evening classes for ten years before graduating with an Accounting Degree in 1964. He married Mary L. Allison on October 13, 1950, in Moline. Jerry was employed as an accountant for International Harvester Farmall in Rock Island. During his time with the company, he worked in Canton, Illinois, Gulfport, Mississippi, and lastly in Memphis, Tennessee, retiring in 1993. At that time, Jerry and his wife moved back to the Quad City area.

Jerry was a member of Bethany Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school, was a member of the choir and served as treasurer and trustee. Faith, family, and church were Jerry’s main focus. He was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and going out to eat. He was very a very social, friendly man who will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; children, Natalie (Jeff) Condit, Moline; Jeffrey Alan Nelson, Waterford, Michigan; grandchildren, Johnathan (Alyssa) Condit, Moline, Benjamin Condit, Moline, Allison (Collin) Smith, Fishers, Indiana, Peter Condit, Glen Burnie, Maryland; 6 great grandchildren, Brayden, Ayla, Teddy, Lucy, Lillian, Elleanor.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Paula Rae Nelson; brothers, Donald and Hollis Nelson.

The family wishes to thank all who cared for him at the end of his Earthly life, doing everything they could for him. May you all know the hope and forgiving love of Jesus Christ.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.