Rebecca "Becky" Nelson

Rebecca “Becky” Nelson, 66, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Born in Rockford, IL on July 19th of 1958 to David and Betty (Jaques) Nelson, Becky was a lifelong Rockford area resident and graduated from Byron High School in 1976. She went on to attend Evangel University in Missouri, earning her bachelor’s degree. She later earned her master’s from Rockford University. A proud teacher, Becky looked out and cared for every child she taught; she loved God and showed the Lord's kindness to everyone, but especially to the hurting--young and old alike. She faithfully served God by loving and serving others wherever and whenever she could. Becky dedicated 43 years of service to the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps, claiming the title of food director. It is estimated that she provided more than 2.5 million meals throughout her years there. Much-appreciated and well-loved, Becky garnered four prestigious awards from Phantom: 

2004 Phantom Regiment Chevron Award 

2010 Drum Corps International Volunteer of the Year Award 

2018 Phantom Regiment Hall of Fame Inductee 

2023 Phantom Regiment Lifetime Service Award (the only one ever given) 

A person of many talents, through the years, Becky also volunteered innumerable hours as a volleyball coach, helping marching band and color guard, and costuming shows for schools and local theater groups. More than anything else, Becky will be remembered for her kindness and beautiful smile as she served tirelessly and made every person in her life feel loved. 

Becky is survived by her loving family: father, Dave (Kelly) Nelson; brother, Paul (Kristi) Nelson; sister, Amy Nelson; brother-in-law Daniel (Lois) Eckburg; nieces, Evonne (Justin) Johnson, Natalie Eckburg, Amanda (Eric) Riddle; nephews, Wesley Nelson, Russell (Breanna) Nelson; and several great nephews and a great niece. She is predeceased by her mother, Betty; sister, Kristi Eckburg; and paternal grandparents, Arthur and Mabel. 

A visitation for Becky will take place on Friday, January 31st, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. -  7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 1st, 2025 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory with a visitation one hour prior to service time. Final resting place will be at Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.