Gerald B. "Jerry" Nelson, age 94, of Serena peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Franciscan Village of Lemont, IL.

He was born June 8, 1929 in Sandwich, IL, the son of Burton and Edna nee Marshall Nelson.

Jerry proudly served his country in the US Army as a Sergeant in the 5th Armored Calvary, 6th Armored Division during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the military, Jerry worked as a mechanic and later owned Nelson Bros. Garage, retiring in 2000. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wedron, IL. He was a charter member of the Serena Lions Club and the Serena Fire Department. Jerry belonged to the Folk Valley Square Dance Group where he and Marjorie met, Illinois Valley Citizens for Life, the Sheridan American Legion Post 729 and the LaSalle County Farm Bureau. He enjoyed his cars and was part of the Wisconsin Dairyland Plymouth Owner Club, Lincoln Land Region Plymouth Owners Club, Oldsmobile Club of American Illinois Valley Oldsmobile Chapter and was past treasurer of the Oldsmobile Club of America and a member of the Chrysler Car Club.

He is survived by his children Jane (Mike) Bowers, Don (Donel) Nelson, Ruth (Ed) Worthington, Sue (Tony) Duffy, grandchildren Courtney (Phil) Becker, Adam (Fiancee Emma Nickerson) Nelson, Chad Worthington, Ashley (JC Cervantes) Worthington, Joshua Duffy, Samantha Duffy, Zachary Duffy, Lucas Duffy, great-grandchildren Aiden Becker and Iain Worthington and a twin brother John "Jack" (Anna) Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie nee Pitstick in 2016 and his parents Burt and Edna Nelson.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM at Gabel-Dunn Funeral Home, 333 W. Church Street, Sheridan, IL 60551.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2026 N. 3372nd Road, Ottawa, IL. (Wedron, IL).

Burial with military honors will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Somonauk, IL. Lunch will then be held at Pitstick Pavilion, 3401 N State Route 23, Ottawa, IL 61350.

Memorials may be made to Serena Lions Club or the Serena Fire Department.

For information: 815/695-5131 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com