Hance Hartford Nelson, 90, of Urbana, formerly of Champaign, died Saturday March 22, 2008 at home. He was born May 29, 1917 in Nevada, Iowa.

He is preceded in death by his parents John Nelson and L. Maude (Holland), one brother Leal Nelson, two sisters, Grace Henning and Cora James, two wives, Madonna (Barham) and Wilma (Merrick) and his son Donald Lee Nelson. He is survived by a sister, Fern Coffin of Olathe, KS, three sons, Hans "Chris" Nelson of Gainesville, FL, John Nelson of Hebron, IN, and Craig Nelson of Urbana and two step children Donna Ditler and Ron Pellum both of Chandler, AZ. He was very proud of his eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren most of which still live in the Champaign area.

While in high school he would caddy at the Urbana Country Club for extra money. His best customer was a stone carver for the University. This gentleman took such a liking to Hance that he carved his likeness out of stone and placed it on his garage. This carving of Hance riding his motorcycle can still be seen today behind the Graystone building on Wright St. in Champaign. In the 1934 Urbana High School yearbook he was described as "Little but mighty."

Early in his adult life he owned a motorcycle shop. He then went on to be an Engineer for the Illinois Central Railroad. He also work for the University of Illinois as a Building Service Worker and made training films for the University. He also owned and maintained rental property for over fifty years. He was very proud of his Danish and Dutch heritage. He took frequent trips abroad to visit family.

Memorials can be made to the Carle Hospice Memorial Fund, 611 W. Park St., Urbana, IL 61801-9977. A memorial service will be held April 12, 2008 at 2:00pm in the Multi-Purpose Room at St. Patrick's Parish Center, 708 W. Main St., Urbana.