Donald E. Nelle

Donald E. Nelle, 71, of Springfield, died at his home on Thursday, September 2, 2010. Don was born on March 24, 1939 in Springfield, the son of Richard S. Nelle and Monita E. Nelle. He married Sandra J. Evans on December 26, 1960 in Springfield at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She preceded him in death. Don was a graduate of the Cathedral Boys High School and worked for Pillsbury and then moved to Grand Forks, N.D. His work in Grand Forks permitted him to complete his engineering degree at the University of North Dakota. His future years included jobs with Kraft and Del Monte. He was also preceded in death by his father, Richard S. Nelle. He is survived by his son, Evan Nelle, of Cambridge, MD; a daughter, Jeanne Travers of Fargo, N.D.; his mother, Monita Nelle of Springfield; four grandchildren, Beth (Kevin) Secrist, Lesli (Scott) Hurley, Stefany Travers and Andrea (Cory) Dean; five great-grandchildren, Colin Secrist, Clay Wilson, Kendall Secrist, Hallie Jo Wilson and Johnathon Dean; and siblings, Dick (Bev) Nelle of Springfield, Jan (Alice) Nelle of Springfield, Pat (Joyce) Nelle of Huntsville, AR, Mike Nelle of Minier, IL, Marianne (Leo) Lombari of Huntsville, AR and Kathleen Nelle Davis of West Fork, AR. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A funeral ceremony will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, Rev. Robert Jallas officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702.