Janice "Jan" K. Nelson

Janice "Jan" K. Nelson passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 8th, 2026, at the Oak Crest Health Center in Dekalb after being surrounded by beloved family members for her 90th birthday.

Born on April 5th, 1936, Jan was the daughter of Paul & Alta Elliott.  She grew up on the family farm, The Evergreens, near Elburn Illinois with her brother Walt.  She attended and graduated from Elburn High School in 1953.

She attended Iowa State University for two years and was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority.  Midway through her sophomore year she met Bill Nelson and the two were married August 4th, 1955.  They honeymooned in Colorado & Boulder Junction Wisconsin.  The two shared a love of the great outdoors, particularly fishing.  As a wedding present, Bill gifted Jan a pair of waders.

The two spent their early married years at Scott Airforce Base in Belleville Illinois where Bill was serving. Shortly after, they welcomed their first child Karen and relocated to DeKalb Illinois.  After relocating their family grew with the additions of Kevin and Karl.

Raising three children, Jan became well versed in many skills that she passed onto her children and future grandchildren including a love of sewing, baking and volunteering.  She was an active member of the Kishwaukee Hospital Auxiliary, which supported the DeKalb hospital through fundraising and community service.  She was also a member of the First Lutheran Church and was actively involved in the Delta Zeta Sorority collegiate house on the NIU Campus.

Jan was a lover of sports, and a big supporter of her children in their athletic endeavors.  From Karen's high school Badminton matches to attending Kevin's college baseball games and Karl's professional football career with the New York Giants.  One of her favorites being her beloved Chicago Cubs, whose games she never missed.  Meeting Ernie Banks was a special moment for a lifelong fan.

Jan was also a lover of music.  In high school, she was the State Champion Marimba player and could also play piano and organ.  In her later years, music continued to bring her joy as she attended many live music performances around DeKalb.

Jan & Bill loved to spend their winters in Florida building a home on the Isles of Capri where they made many new friends.  During their time in Florida, they shared countless memories with their family by the pool and along the beautiful beaches nearby.

Jan loved to travel.  Whether she was visiting family across different states or planning international trips with friends, she found so much joy in experiencing new places.  She loved meeting new people and made friends everywhere she went.

One of Jan's greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren.  She loved hosting the whole family for Christmas and spoiling her grandchildren with gifts and baked goods.  The most valuable lesson she taught them was to find joy in all they do and live life to the fullest.

She is survived by her children Karen (John) Larson, Kevin Nelson, Karl (Inga) Nelson, her grandchildren, Chris (Ashley) Larson, Andrew Larson, Nicole (Aaron) Sibley, Hillary Nelson, Krista Nelson, Corey Nelson, Brittany (John) Schussler, Lyndsay Nelson, and great grandchildren Parker Nelson, Morgan & Madison Schussler.

A visitation is being held at Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb on Friday May 15, 2026, from 5-7pm.  An additional visitation will be held on Saturday May 16, 2026, from 9:30-10:30am followed by a memorial service at 10:30am at First Lutheran Church in DeKalb with Pastor Megan Vaughan officiating. Burial will be at 1:30pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb. Memorials can be made to the family to be established at a later date. Cremation rites and arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.