Philip Ray Nelson, 88, of Salem, Wisconsin, passed peacefully and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 1st, 2025. He was born on November 29th, 1936, in Elgin, Illinois. Philip is preceded in death by Sandra, his wife of 63 years, as well as his parents, John Nelson and Mildred Nelson Peterson, and sister Barbara Wright.
Philip was raised in Elgin and graduated from the Elgin High School Class of 1954. In addition, he attended Elgin Community College and the University of Illinois, Champaign, where he graduated with a mechanical engineering degree in 1960. He married Sandra Charles on February 24th,1962. He lived briefly in Libertyville, IL, before living the rest of his adult life in southeastern Wisconsin.
His professional work focused primarily on quality control engineering for construction equipment and tool manufacturers. He also enjoyed a few years of substitute teaching during retirement. While not working, he was primarily devoted to his family and working within local assemblies of believers to spread the name and message of Jesus Christ. His hobbies included bike riding, sailing, softball, and ringing his collection of bells on holidays.
Philip is survived by his sons, Brad (Lori) Nelson, Daniel (Kelly) Nelson, and Jeremy Nelson; grandchildren, Tyler Nelson, Evan Nelson, Philip Nelson, and Elizabeth Nelson; nieces, Kathy Bryant and Diane Roush.
A memorial service will be held at Grace Bible Chapel, 3917 59th St., Kenosha, WI, 53144, on November 8th, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the service following at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Bible Chapel Missions Fund in Kenosha, WI.
