Mark E. Nelsen, 79, of Milan, passed away Friday, November 25, 2022, at his residence.

Funeral service will be 10:00 am on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Rock Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Milan Christian Food Pantry.

Mark was born on May 18, 1943 in Minot, ND, the son of Clarence and Jeanne (Erickson) Nelsen.  He married Alice "Jeanie" James on March 14, 1970 in Rock Island, she preceded him in death in 2014.  Mark worked as a boilermaker for Boilermakers Local 60.  He was an active member at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Milan.

Mark enjoyed doing anything outdoors, especially going fishing.  He would make trips to Wisconsin for big fishing trips.  Mark was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan.  He was a longtime volunteer at the Milan Christian Food Pantry and member of the RI Conservation Club.  Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and going to watch all their activities.

Mark is survived by his sons, Mike (Katy) Nelsen, Andalusia and Matt (Missy) Nelsen, Milan; grandchildren, Shelbi (Hunter) Frakes, and Hannah and Reed Nelsen; siblings, Mick (Marie) Nelsen, Terry Nelsen, Gail Graves, Marise Bennett, and Jeff Nelsen; sister-in-law, Karen (Tom) Esparza; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanie; parents; brother, Doug Gradin; sister-in-law, Eileen Nelsen; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Maxie James.