In loving memory of Larry Nelson, who peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Lena Living Center in Lena, Illinois.  Born on August 19, 1945, in Morrison, Illinois, Larry was the beloved middle child of Francis and Dorothy Nelson.  On June 7, 1968, he embarked on a lifelong journey of love and companionship when he married Kimberlee "Kim" Schoonhoven, of Lanark, IL.

Larry spent his formative years on a Shannon, Illinois farm. He attended Shannon Schools and pursued his passion for education at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, where he earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree. Throughout his life, Larry wore many hats. He dedicated over three decades of his career from 1967-2000 as a High School English teacher in the Lena-Winslow School District, shaping the lives of countless students.  After retirement, he transitioned to a new chapter, working as an insurance adjuster and inspector for West Point Mutual Insurance Company of Lena from 2002 to 2017.

Larry had a passion for writing and primarily was a self-taught photographer. Before beginning his teaching career, he contributed stories and images to the Rockford Morning Star. He was particularly proud of his article and pictures capturing the Lena train wreck on Christmas Eve 1968, which made front page headlines and on the national wire services. He had a photo darkroom in his basement and loved seeing a picture come to life on paper. Through the years he was known for his captivating photographs, especially of barns, which he turned into calendars and books. His snapshots of the Village of Lena Water Tower were made into postcards and puzzles which were sold at Lena Drug Store. His photographs captured the beauty and emotion of the world around him and were his way of connecting and giving back to his community. His photography also documented landscapes, flowers, animals, and birds of Northern Illinois, with a special affinity for eagles and bluebirds. He lent his talents to the Northwestern Illinois Farmer and Shoppers Guide paper where he had a column called "Patch"  If Larry wasn't using his camera, he was often seen on his trusty Ford tractor with his tiger cat riding along while he mowed the lawn and enjoying nature.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Kim Nelson of Lena, Illinois; his children, Rachel Zipsie of Greenville, Michigan, and Corey Nelson of Lena, Illinois; one grandchild, Aleese (Rane) Stone of Kansas City, Kansas; two great-grandchildren, Odin and Rhys Stone; two sisters, Gayle (Wayne) Schou and Martha (Jim) Moellenberndt, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Larry was a member of the Lena United Methodist Church, where he held various positions on church committees, choir, and men's singing group called Joyful Noise. He was also actively involved in the school's Panther Press and founder of LW-TV. Since it's inception at the Lena Winslow High School, channel 10 was the place to have community access to events happening in the community, a telethon to raise money for the food pantry, and live broadcasting of sporting and other school events. He was recognized in 2000 as Grand Marshal of the Lena Fall Festival.

A funeral service in honor of Larry's life will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Freeport, Illinois, with Pastor Doug Carroll officiating. The service will be private, reserved for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Lena-Winslow Foundation, a scholarship fund supporting students pursuing education majors, or Odin's Heart Foundation.

If you would like to share memories about Larry, please sign the online guest book.