Leona A. Nelson

Leona Nelson was a self-described political gad-fly. She had an interesting reputation for asking embarrassing questions and for bringing outside experts and opinions into Crystal Lake.

Leona Nelson had a major hand in the annexation of the area at the west end of Crystal Lake. She learned a lot in a few short years.

Leona received a citation from the 75th General Assembly House of Representative of the State of Illinois, signed by Gov. Otto Kerner.

Leona was a precinct committee woman for 25 years. She was also a member of District 47 Advisory Committee that in 1973 made the city pass an ordinance to make developers make a donation to school or land.

She formed Grafton Twp. Park Dist. into Crystal Lake Park District.

She spent 12 years with the McHenry County Housing Authority. She was given an award by the McHenry County Housing Authority for outstanding and Faithful service in 1995.

In 1988 Leona met President George H.W. and Barbara Bush.

In 1997 she received a mayoral proclamation from Mayor Robert Wagner for outstanding service to Crystal Lake for more than 50 years.

In 2001, she served as a member of the park district.

She is survived by her children, Wesley (Dolores) Nelson and Carol “Penny” (Wayne) Towers; her grandchildren, Cynthia (John) Costa, Charles (Gwendolyn) Nelson, Brian (Chelsea) Nelson, Michael Towers, Mary Luce, and Thomas Towers; and her many great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl B. Nelson; her parents, Michael and Stella Pietrowiak; and her brother, Fr. Arthur Pietrowiak.

A memorial visitation will be from 10 to 11:30am on Saturday, July 12 at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. The memorial service will be at 11:30am.

Interment will be private.

Memorials may be made to JourneyCare Hospice, 405 Lake Zurich Rd., Barrington, IL 60010.

For information call the funeral home at 815-459-1760. Online condolences may be made at www.querhammerandflagg.com.