Ronald (Ron) N. Nelsen of DeKalb passed away on March 20, 2026.  He was 96. Ron was born on April 2, 1929 to Clarence and Julia Nelsen, the youngest of five children, in Colby, Wisconsin.

Ron married his high school sweetheart, Lucille in 1950 and began raising a family. They had three children, born in three different states, Wisconsin, Washington and Indiana before settling in Dekalb, Illinois.

He earned a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin and a Master's Degree in Business from Northern Illinois University. Ron spent his entire career with General Electric, first at the Hanford Works in Richland, Washington and then in the appliance motor division in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Dekalb, Illinois. While at GE he was granted several patents and was awarded the prestigious President's Award for his outstanding contributions.

He was an Eagle Scout, a Scoutmaster, a Little League coach and umpire. He volunteered with the American Red Cross, the Glidden Homestead and a service preparing tax returns for elders. He was also an avid tennis player, playing almost everyday until he was 90.

He is survived by a daughter, Lynne Nelsen, of Phoenix, AZ, a son, Roger (Cary) Nelsen of DeKalb, four grandchildren, Jonah (Tanya) Smith of Rockford, MI, Ashley (Robert) Phillips of Compton, IL, Shannon Smith of Phoenix, AZ and Wesley (Alison) Nelsen of Genoa, IL as well as ten great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Lucille, his parents, Clarence and Julia, 2 brothers, Clarence and Carl, two sisters, Marjorie and Sara and a son, Gary of Olympia, WA.

Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home and Crematorium 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.  The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.