William “Bill” Nelson 1940-2025

Bill Nelson Beloved father to 3 children, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, leaving a void his family cannot fill.

He was born in Joliet Illinois in 1940 to Clarence and Catherine (Coyne) Nelson. His father worked on the rail road and Bill loved to be like his dad and enjoyed his model trains. He always enjoyed a long weekend motorcycle ride.

He married Erika (Eiler) in 1963 and raised 3 children with her. He was a devoted husband, father and a great caregiver to Erica through her health issue. She passed in 2007.

Bill worked for 30 plus years at Nalco Chemical Co. where he was the “go to man” to get the job done right. He loved his job, and his coworkers and bosses loved him.in his early years at Nalco, he also had a second job delivering pizzas to support his wife and growing family. He did everything for the family he loved.

Bill survived his son, Steve Nelson (Michele Bednarke) who passed in 2024. He loved helping Steve work on cars and later spent time doting on Steve and Michele’s 2 children, Steven and Lauren Nelson, whom he loved tremendously.

He is survived by his 2 daughters, Jennifer “Jenny” Stevens and husband John, Elizabeth “Betsy” Nelson. Jenny and John welcomed him into their home in Illinois after he defied the odds after he had covid in 2020. He then moved with them in 2022 to beautiful and peaceful Tennessee where he was able to enjoy the last few years of his life. He was a huge supporter of his children’s activities through working on cars with Steve, being the score keeper for softball and basketball games, being a marching band dad for Jenny and Betsy, and attended Betsy’s theatrical performances and events.

He was a great brother-in-law to Laura Novak and always had her best interests in mind.

Bill enjoyed time spent with his dear friend Mary Ellen Moroney. Her companionship after his wife’s passing brought much happiness to his life.

He was loved by all who met him and made many positive impacts on his loved one’s lives.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary in Maynardville.