Ryan P. Nelson

“That with the son’s love in the spring becomes the rose."

Ryan Paul Nelson, 42, passed away Monday, May 22, 2017. He was a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and most importantly a son of God. He was born on February 27, 1975 to Kathy and Paul Nelson. He had one older brother, Scott Nelson. He was born and raised in Rockford, IL. Ryan graduated from Rockford East High School where he met his wife, Julie. He went on to graduate college from Rockford University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. His passion was teaching P.E. to elementary age students. He married his high school sweetheart and had four amazing and beautiful children. If you knew Ryan, you would know that he was a man who loved to make people happy. He had a great sense of humor. He was full of life. In the recent days, he found a profound passion for Christ that lead to the greatest love that a man could have for his family. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

He is survived by his wife, Julie Nelson; children, Elle, Kamryn, Phoebe, and Rowan; parents, Paul and Kathleen Nelson; in-laws, Dave and Kim Swenson; and many other wonderful family and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, and will continue Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at St. Bridget Catholic Church. Private family burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family appreciated.