Funeral services for William "Bill" "Swede" "Hawk" Nelson, 92, of Silvis, IL, will be noon Friday, March 8, 2024, Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline. Visitation is 10:00 AM until noon at the funeral home. Entombment at St. Mary's Mausoleum, East Moline follows.

Bill passed away after a short illness on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, IA. Bill was born August 27, 1931, in Rock Island, IL, the son of Ralph and Bertha Schulte Nelson. He married Donna McMillin October 27, 1951, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, East Moline. He retired from AT&T in 1989, after 38 years of service.

Bill volunteered countless hours for the Viking Club of Moline in various capacities, including running bingo every Wednesday night. He managed and was the Chief of Thor Lodge for 25 years. With that background he became a council member of the national Grand Lodge for several years, finally being elected as Grand Chief for two years over the national Viking chapters.

In true volunteer form, Bill managed and served on the board of directors of the East End Club, Moline for many years. He then was elected president for two years, after which he continued to tirelessly serve on the board of directors when his presidency was concluded. He remained on the board until his death.

Bill was also a member of the Illinois Beverage Association, Silvis Eagles

and several Masonic Temples.

In his spare time over the years, Bill enjoyed and was a die-hard Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He and Donna took fun bus trips with friends to watch the games. He played slow pitch softball in his earlier days and then rolle bolle and golf. But more than those fun times, his heart belonged to his family. He was first and foremost a family man.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 72 years, Donna; children; Tami Nelson, East Moline; Todd (Deb) Nelson, Davenport, IA; and Terry (Madelyne) Nelson, LeClaire, IA; grandchildren: Ashley (Ben) Wright; and Nathan Nelson; great-grandchildren; Kyle and Izabel Wright; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Cynthia (Frank) Strobbe; Shirley (Harvey) Dopler, Woodburn "Woody" (Dorothy) Forsyth; and nephews: Dan Forsyth and Tom Strobbe.

We would also like to thank all the doctors, nurses and care technicians at Genesis Illini Campus and Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House for all the wonderful care and compassion in taking care of Bill.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com