Kenneth L Neslund

LEAF RIVER, IL, Kenneth LeRoy Neslund 85, passed away on January 14, 2017 surrounded by his children who loved him so much. Born to Axel and Amanda Berg Neslund on February 16, 1931 in Superior WI, the youngest of 7 children. Ken graduated from Superior Central High School in 1949. He enlisted in the US Army in 1952. Married Shirley June Riley Oct 23, 1954. Ken loved sports. In high school, he excelled in baseball and basketball and won a state championship in 1948. Ken started his career with Sundstrand Aviation in 1955 retiring in 1986. He was a master machinist and set-up man. He also worked for the Leaf River Telephone Company in his earlier years as a lineman. Ken and Shirley moved to Leaf River in 1956 and were thankful to raise their 4 children there. Ken was a lifelong outdoorsman. He loved all of nature and taught his family to appreciate it through camping and exploring the U.S. Ken was a member of UAW Local #592, Mt Morris Moose Lodge, Leaf River American Legion and former member Lucky Leaf Square Dancing Club. Ken is predeceased by his parents, beloved wife Shirley, siblings Adelaide, Marion, Arvid, Ordway, Lillian and Wallace. He is survived by fiancee Molly Hoag, sister in-law Roberta Neslund, children Kim Dickinson, Kathy (Kerry) Wickler, Kelly Neslund and Kirk (friend: Marianne) Neslund. 9 grandchildren Derrik (Jennifer), Justin (Martyna), and Jake (friend: Ashley) Dickinson, Heather (Chris) Higgins, Jerrod (Britney) Wickler, Megan (Erik) Gunnarsson, Kaylee, Korey, and Kody Neslund. 4 great-grandchildren, Mason, Reese, Embry and Asa. Visitation will be held January 20, 5 -7 pm IN THE LEAF RIVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. Funeral Service January 21 at 11 am IN the Leaf River United Methodist Church. BURIAL WILL BE IN LIGHTSVILLE CEMETERY, LIGHTSVILLE, IL. FINCH FUNERAL HOME, 405 EAST HITT, MT. MORRIS, IL IS ASSISTING WITH THE SERVICES. Memorial to be established