Ralph Gene Nelson, age 85 of Lansing, Illinois, formerly of Laurel, NE, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife Donna Lou (nee Kortenhoven) Nelson. Loving father of Darlene K. (Jeff) Booker, Debra S. (Sherman) Wolf, Roger G. Nelson and Denise A. (Mike) Skrbina. Cherished grandfather of Amy (Sonny) Irwin, Catherine Reinsma, Jessica Toepfer, Michelle Hamende, Jeffrey (Jessica) Booker, Zachary Nelson, Jacob Nelson, Joseph Skrbina, and Benjamin Skrbina. Great grandfather of Daisy Booker, Madison Irwin, Chloe Reinsma, Royce Hamende, Elli Smith, Evelyn Hamende, Jillian Booker, Sullivan Hamende, Jeffrey Booker, Emma Hargrove, and Sabrina Skrbina and great great grandfather of Wesley Dinkins. Cherished brother of Ron (Judy) Nelson and Norma Payne and Linda Gorman. Fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his loving parents Elmer and Eunice Nelson and daughter Darlene K. Booker.

Funeral services for Ralph will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 12 Noon at the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois, with Pastor Dan Miller officiating. Ralph will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Lansing, Illinois. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until time of service. Ralph was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, brother and friend. Ralph was loved by many and he will be truly missed. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Ralph's name to The Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Ave. Munster, Indiana 46321