Milton L. Nelson, formerly of Poplar Grove, now residing in Rockford, went to be the Lord on February 7, 2009, after a courageous struggle with cancer. The son of Godfrey and Jennie Welin Nelson, he was born on February 23, 1922, on a farm in Belvidere Township. He attended Liberty Grade School and graduated from Belvidere High School, the class of 1939.Milton enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve in 1942. He took flight training to be a bomber pilot and joined Patrol Bombing Squadron 117 in the Philippine Islands as second pilot. He flew 37 missions with one ditched landing in the South China Sea. The squadron received the Naval Presidential Unit Citation for meritorious achievement. Milton received the Distinguished Flying Cross, 11 Air Medals, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with two battle stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one battle star, the American Theater Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal. After separation from active duty, he returned to farming.On August 12, 1948, Milton married Virginia (Ginny) White of Centerville, Iowa. Milton was quite active in civic affairs. He was a member and officer in the Poplar Grove Pure Milk Association, local and district levels. For 12 years, he was a member of the Poplar Grove Elementary School Board, and he was selected to be a member of the committee that established Rock Valley College. He was a charter member and past president of the Poplar Grove Lions Club and a member of the Volunteer Fire Department in Poplar Grove. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1461.After retiring from farming for 18 years, Milton and Virginia moved to Poplar Grove to the house that would be their home for 44 years. He worked at various jobs, including Edenfruit, Smith Oil, Camcar, and finally retiring after 16 years at Warner Lambert. After retiring, Milton enjoyed himself very much. He finished visiting all 50 states, rode his motorcycles until he was 82, and tended his yard and garden, especially enjoying the tomatoes he grew and canned. He attended the annual reunions of his Squadron to see his old crewmates, and was the last surviving member of his crew.Milton is survived by his wife, Ginny, of 60 years; daughters Cathy A. Nelson (Michael McLay) and Sandra J. Nelson (Steve) Palmer; sister, Esther Hyser; nephew, Robert Hyser; niece, Marilyn Peterson; and other relatives and many good friends too numerous to mention. He was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Violet Nelson and Elsie Lindroth. Had his medical condition permitted, he wished to be an organ donor. He was a member of the Rockford Central Christian Church.

Donations to the family will be distributed to the church and various charities.