1929
2017
Rockford – Bruce A. Nelson, 88, passed away Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017. He was a longtime Rockford resident. Bruce was the only child of Arthur and Edith (Carlson) Nelson. He is the beloved husband of Florence (Klein) Nelson and the great father of Russ (Candace) Nelson and Debra Nelson.
Being an Eagle Scout, Bruce was co-leader of Sea Scouts Ship 508, a group whose purpose was to help scouts with water skills on the Rock River, like canoeing. While serving four years in the Navy during the Korean War, Bruce handled classified material and worked at the Pentagon under the Chief of Naval Operations. Upon returning to Rockford, Bruce joined the Rockford Fire Department; he retired after 25 years of service. A great deal of Bruce's life was spent with residents of nursing homes playing and enjoying Country Western music. He had his own band, "Blackhawk Country" with talented musicians Jim Becker and Dean Johnson. Together they played 60-70 music jobs a year. In his spare time, Bruce enjoyed the company of several clubs: the Eagles Club, the Tebala Shrine and the Brother Masons. He was a teacher for the Guitars for Vets program.
After retiring, Bruce and Florence, his wife of 64 years, traveled to 10 foreign countries, the most enjoyable being Scotland.
It was Bruce's wish to have a small family funeral only held on Tuesday. He will be buried in the Masonic section of Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park. We wish to thank all those who so enriched Bruce's life with music and song.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Sunset Funeral Home.
6 Entries
April 5, 2018
May God watch 0ver all of you at this sad time, love n hugs Wanda Cooper hart. He is in heaven with my darling Donald!
December 17, 2017
I am sorry for your loss, Bruce was a good friend of my husband, Harry Doll. My best wishes to you. You are in my prayers.
Marjorie Doll
December 14, 2017
pat dunn
Debbie I am so sorry for your loss .Losing a father makes you remember how you were Daddy's little girl and I hope those memories comfort you now.
December 14, 2017
Trish Rooney
Bruce was a positive and encouraging mentor at our Guitars for Vets Jam Sessions. We will miss him.
December 12, 2017
Steve Sarver
I only met Bruce once, when he came to the Camp Lowden staff reunion back in 2005. Really, really nice guy. He called me on the phone once or twice as well. It was so nice to know him, and to get his perspective on what it was like to be a Scout as compared to today. Really, really nice guy.
December 12, 2017
Vivian Gaines
My sincere condolences to the family. I met Bruce because of his music.
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