Carl "Cully" Nelson

Carl "Cully" Nelson, 87, passed away at 8:45 p.m., Monday, Sept. 19, 2011 in Rosewood Care Center. He was born Dec. 2, 1923 in Rockford, the son of Gustav and Nannie (Jonsson) Nelson. He was a veteran of the US Navy and was serving at Pearl Harbor during the attack on Dec. 7, 1941. Cully married Katherine M. Duffy on Jan. 5, 1946. He was always known as a practical joker and a "character". He worked as a carpenter for 40 years and was a member of Carpenter's Union Local #792 since 1946. He worked for the Board of Education for 18 years, retiring in 1985. During his working career he usually wore a polka dot cap and was known as "Cully the Carpenter". He was a member of LLL Club, Elida Lodge, VFW Post #1461, and St. Edward Catholic Church. He and Kaye loved to dance. After he retired they spent their winters in Florida for 25 years enjoying the sun and fun of South Florida. Survivors include his wife, Katherine, 5 children, James (Linda) Nelson of Rockford, Cheri (Jerry) Friemuth of Rockford, Tom (Denise) Nelson of Rockford, Kathleen (Terry) Meinking of Cincinnati, OH, and Russell (Deborah) Nelson of Machesney Park, 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by a brother, Kenneth Nelson and sister, Ruth Williams.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m., Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 in St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 Eleventh St., with Fr. William Wentink as celebrant. Visitation at the church from 9:00 a.m. until Mass time on Friday. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Sundberg Funeral Home, Ltd., 215 N. Sixth St., Rockford. Online condolences at www.sundbergfh.com. Memorials to Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center.

Visitation from 9:00 a.m. until Mass time on Friday, September 23, 2011 in St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 Eleventh Street, Rockford, IL.

10:00 a.m., Friday, September 23, 2011 in St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 Eleventh Street, Rockford, IL. Burial in Calvary Cemetery