Raymond Eugene Nelson

Raymond Eugene Nelson, 91, of West Union, IL, passed away June 4, 2021, in the comfort of his home, assisted by Lincolnland Hospice. He was born October 10, 1929, the son of Emily (Fritsch) & August Nelson of rural Martin County, MN. He grew up in the Fairmont, MN, area and was a 1948 graduate of Fairmont High School. He would go on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years (1948-1968) and served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He sailed to Korea on the USS General R. L. Howze (AP-134), used during WWII, a voyage that took 30 days at sea. He returned home by way of an AKA, which took another 30 days before landing at Treasure Island, CA. His time in the service eventually found him stationed near Washington, DC, where he met Irmagene Blockinger at a USO dance two blocks from the White House. They would marry on December 12, 1954, in Robinson, IL, and soon after moved to San Diego, CA. Following an additional stint in the DC area, most of his time in the USMC found the young family stationed in Simi Valley and Yorba Linda, CA. In 1959, while serving with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Iwakuni, Japan, he received a diploma for learning the Japanese language and had the opportunity to broaden his education by attending many schools during his time with the Corps. This education allowed him to find employment immediately following his retirement from the Marines. He worked as an electrical engineer for many years before eventually becoming a manager at Litton Data Systems (now Northrop Grumman) in Van Nuys, CA. Eventually, it became evident that Irmagene's parents would need care, so they moved back to her homestead outside of West Union, IL, where he would spend the rest of his days. Here, he would spend countless hours exercising his green thumb by tending to his garden. He was, by all accounts, very handy, to the point that he built nearly every building on their property. He could fix anything as well, a trait that could be attributed to his God-given intelligence. He was very well-read, which comes to no surprise to anyone who has seen the man's bookshelves! In 2016, he was honored by the DAR, Fort LaMotte Society, and Children of the American Revolution for his service during the Korean War. In 2019, he received a beautiful quilt from the Olney Valor Quilters in honor of his 20 years in the Marine Corps and of his service in Korea. We, too, are thankful for the sacrifices Raymond Nelson so selflessly made to protect the freedoms of his fellow man. There is no doubt that we have lost not only a patriot but a loving and kind champion as well. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Irmagene Nelson of West Union, IL; by his sons & daughters-in-law, Barry & Ana Nelson of Dardenne, MO, and Barton Eric & Pamela Nelson of Pocahontas, IL; by his granddaughter, Jessica of Pocahontas, IL; by his grandsons, Brett Raymond (& wife) of Berkeley, CA, Braddley Dane (& wife), who is currently serving in the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, CA, and by his special grandson, Brendan Eric of West Union, IL, who lovingly cared for him over the last two years. He is also survived by twin step-sons, Luke of St. Charles, MO, and Matthew & Angelia of St. Louis, MO; by two great-grandchildren, Max & Charlotte; as well as six nephews and three nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; by his brothers, Clayton and Dennis; and by his sister, Florence Wels. It was his wish to be cremated, with burial to be held in the Marshall Cemetery at a later date. The Prust-Hosch Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial gifts may be sent to the "Clark County Genealogical Library" in Marshall, IL. Donations may be sent to: Clark County Genealogical Library 521 Locust St. Marshall, IL 62441 Day is done...Gone the sun... From the hills...From the lake...From the sky. All is well...Safely rest...God is nigh. Thanks and praise...For our days... 'Neath the sun...'Neath the stars,...'Neath the sky.