John "Bill/Swede" Nelson

 John “Bill/Swede” Nelson, 89, of Geneseo, formerly of Atkinson, passed away into the loving arms of his wife of 70 years, Eyvonne, on March 6, 2026, at Hillcrest Home in Geneseo, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of life will be held for John and Eyvonne at a later date. Vandemore Funeral Homes – Geneseo Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Atkinson Fire and Rescue and Rebuilding Together.

John was born on December 31, 1936, in Geneseo, the son of William R. and Effie A. (Liggett) Nelson. He was united in marriage to Eyvonne Dickey on June 5, 1955. She precedes him in death. He was the former head of the Atkinson Baseball Association, active member of the Masonic Lodge and Atkinson Kiwanis Club. John was a proud fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. Swede was known well for showing up to family gatherings with his “best batch” (homemade Bailey’s). His greatest joy was spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Robert (Ellen) Nelson of Geneseo, IL; daughters, Lisa (Mitch) Gentry of Atkinson, IL and Ulanda Gartin of Geneseo, IL; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Krista and Joel Neave – Cora, Ember, and Mila of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Katie Nelson (fiancé, Nick Shreffler)– Madison and T.J of Bloomington, Illinois, Logan and Kaleena Gentry – Meyers and Sloane of Payson, Illinois, Shawn Hall - Gentry of Reynolds, Illinois, Riley and Randi Reeves – Camden and Parker of Geneseo, Illinois, Taylan and Justin Blaser – Bentley, Woodsyn, and another baby on the way, of Colona, Illinois; sister, Joyce Hemmingson; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Effie; wife, Eyvonne; son in law, Al Gartin; granddaughter, Lauren A. Hall; and sisters, Alice Reed and Carol Sears.