Harry "Ronnie" Nelson, age 83, of Apple River, IL passed away July 1, 2017 at home with his son Hans by his side. Ronnie was born on June 26, 1934 in Dodgeville, WI to the late Harry and Verda Nelson. He graduated from Warren High School in 1953. Ronnie's adventurous nature began as a child. He would roam the woods behind Black Oak Cheese Factory, which required neighbors to help find him. He enjoyed his toy John Deere tractor, his tricycle, and even old tires. He explored surrounding fields and creeks where he taught himself how to swim. Before moving to Apple River, the family lived in Rock Grove for a couple of years. Upon moving to Apple River he was given an erector set that provided him with many new challenges. He then joined the Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout. He had earned many badges for hiking, camping and other outdoor skills along the way. In his late teens he was often found with his buddies working at Joe's Garage in Apple River where his dad and Joe worked on Stock Cars for the weekend races in Darlington and Dubuque. Ronnie did win some races and his mechanical interest peaked and he enrolled at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, MN. Ronnie joined the Army in October of 1964 and spent some of his time in France and Germany. While in the Army, Ronnie put his mechanical skills to use and took advantage of seeing the world. Shortly after he was discharged from the Army, he worked a few jobs around Apple River along with the Army Reserves, then moved to the Chicago area.  Ronnie married Jackie in April of 1961 in Chicago and resided in the suburbs for 39 years. They had two children, Diane and Hans, two adorable grandchildren, Ali and Andi, and a great grandson, Zane. In the early 60's he worked at various auto dealerships until he opened a transmission shop. After many years of dirty work, he decided to teach his trade. He became an instructor at the Universal Technical Institute, which is a large teaching school and enjoyed his time there very much. In 2001 Ronnie retired to his property just outside of Apple River and built a house. He planted trees, flowers and a garden and enjoyed outdoor living. Ronnie still liked to tinker so he fixed tractors for neighbors and friends. He would go uptown for a beer and talk and laugh with old friends. Ronnie is survived by his wife, Jackie; son, Hans (Joan) Nelson; daughter, Diane Nelson; granddaughters, Ali and Andi; great grandson, Zane; sisters, Sandra Nelson, Marjorie (Ron) Mapes, Julie (Tommy) Lewis, Kristine (Warren) Mohrbacher; 6 nieces and nephews and 4 great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Verda; and brother, Bucky Nelson.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. with a Memorial Tractor Ride beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Apple River Stagecoach Event Center, 446 Hickory St. (Stagecoach Trail), Apple River, IL.