George Hartman Nelson

George H. Nelson, 97, of Highland, IN, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Hartford Hospital, Glastonbury, CT, with his daughter by his side. George was born December 5, 1926, in Hammond, IN, the son of Oscar E. and Nellie R. (Hartman) Nelson. He attended Hammond High School, graduating with the class of 1945. He then attended Illinois State Teachers College in Normal, IL and the University of Chicago for his master’s degree. George was drafted into the Army during WWII. He was stationed in Fort Bragg, Governs Island, and West Point, just to name a few. He married the love of his life, Barbara L. Rodgers, on August 19, 1951, at the Kewanee First United Methodist Church; she preceded in him in death on September 20, 2021.

George is survived by one daughter, Melanie Nelson Fiddler, Glastonbury, CT; grandsons, Christopher Fiddler, W. Springfield, MA, Ryan Fiddler, New York City, NY; one brother-in-law, Daniel B. Rodgers, Sycamore, IL; two nephews, Steve D. (Kristy) Rodgers, Winfield, IL and James Floyd, Manhattan Beach, CA; and two nieces, Marjorie Rodgers Earl, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada and Kathy Hirsh, Thousand Oaks, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara, and a sister-in-law, Helen Rodgers Martinez.

George started teaching in 1951. He spent most of his 38 years teaching at Morton High School in Hammond, IN. He taught US and World History, and Geography. He also enjoyed teaching drivers ed during the summer months and volunteering to take tickets at the Morton Governors football games. George enjoyed genealogy, and target shooting. He was a die-hard Chicago Bears fan from a young age. And was privileged to become a season ticket holder at Wrigley field in the 50s. George and Barbara enjoyed traveling to England, Norway, and many Elderhostels; they also enjoyed spending many winters in Mesa, AZ in their later years. He loved entertaining family and friends with Barbara on their deck. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Highland, IN, where he was a deacon and was on the session; he also wrote the history of the church. George was a man of many talents.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 am, Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Kewanee. Military honors will be accorded by Kewanee Veterans Council. Please leave an online condolence for George’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.

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