Thomas J Nelson

Thomas J Nelson, age 75, of Prospect Heights, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on October 12, 2026, with his wife of 40 years, Eva, at his side. He is also survived by his sister, M Barbara Weides, inlaws Adam & Sheila Zakrzewski and the families of his nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and June Nelson.

With a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University, Tom was a successful, respected Senior Research Engineer at Atlantic Richfield, Union Oil and Universal Oil Products. He was a modest man who never boasted about his accomplishments. A hard worker by nature, he dedicated his career to innovation, ultimately developing four patents for reformed processing of high octane gasoline.

His true passions extended beyond work. He possessed a lifelong curiosity about the world around him, holding a deep fascination for science, nature and world events. He was a traveler at heart and enjoyed the far-flung countries like Saudia Arabia, South Africa, India, Ivory Coast, Brazil, Poland, Korea, Japan and many other destinations that his work took him to. He continued to explore new places on his own vacations, and connected with the people and cultures he met along the way. While he was a quiet man, he also possessed a delightful, dry sense of humor - and an amazing memory for not only facts, but quirky sayings, events and family history that he would readily share.

Above all else, his family was his greatest joy. He put their needs, happiness and well-being above all else in his life, providing a foundation of love and support. Tom will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Memorial visitation will be held at St. Emily’s Catholic Church, 1400 E. Central Road, Mt. Prospect, IL, 60056 on Friday, October 23, at 9:30 AM. Service will begin at 10:30 AM. Private Interment All Saints Catholic cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sarcoma Foundation of America at curesarcoma.org.