Kathleen Nelson

Kathleen “Katy” (Mortell) Nelson, age 85, passed away on May 10, 2023 in Gallatin, Tennessee.  She was born on September 2, 1937 in Rock Island, Illinois to the late Pauline and Leo Mortell.  Katy is also preceded in death by her husband, Dale Nelson.  She is survived by children, Christina Nelson (Alan Mitchell), Cynthia Nelson (Eddie Fergus) Mike “Ringo” Nelson, and Deborah Leathers (David Leathers); grandchildren, Lindsay Adkins, Nicole Nelson, Ian Leathers, Evan Leathers, and Jack Leathers; and sister, Colette Schroeder; and many nieces and nephews.

Katy was a graduate of Alleman Catholic High School.  She met Dale while they were both working at the phone company; they married on October 19, 1957.  Dale and Katy enjoyed life, living in Illinois, Tennessee, and Colorado. Katy also lived in South Carolina with Deborah's family after Dale's death, and recently returned to Tennessee to live near Christina. In retirement, Katy became an accomplished artist, winning numerous awards in Tennessee and Colorado for her drawings and paintings.  But always, her main focus was on family and friends, offering love, support, and encouragement to all.

Graveside service will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Rock Island, Illinois.  A light lunch will follow at the Riverfront Grill in Rock Island.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local animal shelter in Katy’s memory.