Former Knox County Board member and one-time Galesburg City Council candidate, Michael Nelson passed on Saturday at the age of 68.
Nelson was born in Galesburg and resided here until his passing.
He was elected to the Knox County Board in 2016, representing District 3 as a Democrat until he submitted his resignation in July of 2017 to battle health issues.
Fellow Democrat Tara Wilder was appointed to fill Nelson’s seat, which she will continue to do after winning a 2-year unexpired term earlier this month.
Nelson also ran in 2015 to be Galesburg’s Ward 3 Alderman but was defeated by the current incumbent, Russell Fleming.
Nelson is survived a long-time companion, Linda Livermore, two daughters, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his mother.
Watson-Thomas Funeral Home is handling the arrangements with a celebration of life planned at their Legacy Center from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 1.
