Belvidere, ILDonald E. Nelson, 84, of Belvidere, IL died peacefully Wednesday evening, September 26, 2012 in Maple Crest Nursing Home after a lingering illness. Don was born November 18, 1927 in Belvidere, the son of Oscar and Anna Nelson. He married Esther E. Barton on March 12, 1949 in Lake Delton, WI. Don worked for the Sundstrand Corp. for 35 years where he oversaw the shipping and receiving department. He was a faithful and devoted member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as both elder and deacon as well as on numerous committees; member of Belvidere Masonic Lodge #60, was a past director of the Boone County Fair Association, Flora Grange and served in the US Navy during peacetime. Don enjoyed camping with the kids when they were little, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. He will also be remembered for being handy and loving his family dearly.Don is loved and will be missed by his wife Esther of Belvidere; children Debra (Bill) Werner of Rockford, Carol (Dean) Chambers of Belvidere; grandchildren Branson Werner, Renee Werner both of Rockford, Heath (Emily Huntington) Chambers, Brock (Kelcy Wadley) Chambers both of Belvidere; sisters in-law Lorraine Nelson of Belvidere and Bess Nelson of North Dakota and numerous nieces and nephews. Don is predeceased by his parents; brothers Elmer, Harry, Roy, Lloyd, Walter; sister Elsie.

Memorials can be given in care of First Presbyterian Church in his name.