Franklin L Nelson

Franklin L. Nelson, 81, of Moline died Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at Heartland Healthcare Center, in Moline. Services are 10 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Moline. Visitation is 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Wendt Funeral Home, Moline. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rock Island County Historical Society, Moline Parks and Recreation Department, or a favorite charity. Frank was born December 31, 1925, in Brockton, Mass., the only son of Roy E. Nelson and Jennie Kniberg Nelson. He married Virginia A. Toohey on April 22, 1950, in Moline. He graduated from Brockton High School and attended Dartmouth College. With the outbreak of World War II, Frank stopped his education to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1943 at the age of 17. He served for two years in the South Pacific Theater, including combat on the Solomon Islands, on Caroline Island, and on Iwo Jima. During that time he was assigned to a bomber squadron on the Carrier USS Long Island. He was honorably discharged in 1946 after attaining the rank of sergeant. Following the war, Frank attended and graduated from Augustana College, Rock Island, and the Wisconsin School of Banking, Madison. He started his banking career at the Davenport Bank & Trust and then worked at Moline National Bank, becoming a senior vice-president. His final banking move came when he accepted the position of president at Community Savings and Loan in East Moline. He was involved in numerous banking committees and associations thoughout the state. Frank took pride in his service to the community. He enjoyed the challenge and the honor of working in many different volunteer and elected capacities and was able to impact the lives of many people. He started by working in Dad's Club, in Boys Scouts, and as a softball coach. He went on to serve as the President of the Shabonee Girl Scout Council, the President of the Upper Rock Island County Chamber of Commerce, the President of the Rock Island County Historical Society, the President of Short Hills Country Club, the first President of the Moline Crime Stoppers, served on the Board of Directors of Lutheran Hospital and United Heath Systems and as the President of the Moline Park Board. In this capacity, he was responsible for working with a group within the community, who were instrumental in the creation of Ben Butterworth Parkway. Frank also served the City of Moline as an alderman of the 2nd Ward. He also took pride in his long-term friendships. He shared countless hours and stories with his friends as a member of the Lagomarcino morning Coffee Group, the Legion "Over the Hill" Gang, Tuesday Morning Breakfast Group, and the Friday Lunch Group. But most of all he enjoyed time that he spent with his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Many great hours were spent sharing meals and laughter, singing family songs around the campfire at Dauphin Island, and fishing with his sons. Survivors (and spouses) include his wife, his daughters Susan (Kevin) Blackall, Moline, and Janet (Dennis) Donnelly, Des Moines, Iowa; his sons Richard "Chip" (Suzanne) Nelson, Jeff (Kimberly) Nelson, and John (Elisabeth) Nelson, all of Moline; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Randall E. Nelson.