Leon “Lee” S. Nelson October 1, 1942 – March 20, 2022
Leon Nelson passed away on March 20, 2022. Born October 1, 1942 in Baudette, Minnesota, he moved to Chicago as a college student. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Trinity College, Deerfield, and Northwestern University with degrees in organ, church music, and choral conducting. His musical career spanned nearly 50 years, with 37 years full-time in two of Chicago’s largest Presbyterian Churches, First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield and First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, where he retired in 2008. Since then, he has been sharing his gifts with the congregation of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights. Lee was also on the faculty of North Park University where he has served for over 25 years as University Organist and teacher of the organ. He was also a published composer and a regular contributor to The Diapason.
Lee is preceded in death by his parents Robert & Elsie, and his sister Jeannette. Lee is survived by his daughters Julie (David) Merilatt and Katie (James) Reid, his brother Eugene (Shirly), and several nieces and nephews. His incredible talent and friendship will be sorely missed.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave. Arlington Heights, IL from 12 pm (noon) until time of celebration service at 2:00 pm. For more information, please contact Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home, 847-831-4260.