Carol A. Nelson

Age 88 of Joliet, Illinois, formerly of Pinellas Park, Florida, died Friday, June 7, 2024 at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet.

Born November 16, 1935 in Lockport, Illinois, Carol Ann was a daughter of Frank and Thelma (Larson) Delcourse. She was raised and educated in Lockport and graduated from Lockport High School. Carol met and fell in love with Lester Nelson while working for Nelson's Dairy, and they would marry and go on to have seven children together. She was raised Lutheran, and was a past member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Joliet where she would take her children to church as well. Raising her children was very important to Carol, but as they grew and left home, she began her own career at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet. She began as a CNA, later becoming a telemetry technician, and gave over 30 years of dedicated service to the hospital before she retired. Carol relocated to Pinellas Park, Florida in 2011 and would live there for over 10 years until she moved back to Illinois to be closer to her children. She had strong relationships with not just her children, but also her grandchildren and great grandchildren, creating lasting memories that will be cherished forever by those who loved and knew her.

Survivors include five children: Kerry (Timothy) Boyle of North Aurora, Illinois, David (Robin) Nelson of Crest Hill, Illinois, Lester (Kim) Nelson, Jr. of Joliet, Illinois, Carol Nelson of North Aurora, and Kenneth (Giovanna) Nelson of Utica, Illinois; ten grandchildren: Gary Jr. (Dallis), Carl (Andria), Amber (Luke), Emerald, Nicholas, Christian (Alex), Kristy (Artie), Jamie (Eric), Amanda, and Molly; twelve great grandchildren: Makena, Addison, Declan, K.J., Easton, Wrenley, Bella, Dominic, Brayden, Dean, Lilah, and Wyatt; one brother and one sister: Enola (Roger) Cirrencione of New Lenox, Illinois and Wesley (Diana) Puhl of Joliet; one sister-in-law, Starla Puhl, and several nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents and husband; two children: Paul and Theann; one grandson, David Nelson, Jr., one brother, Leslie Puhl, and one sister, Laverne Puhl, in infancy.

Per Carol's wishes, cremation rites are being accorded and a private family memorial service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet, where Carol will be laid to rest with her husband.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Carol's memory to the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Carol's memorial page via social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.