Arthur Nelson Obituary

Dr. Arthur K. Nelson age 77 of Batavia passed away Friday November 6, 2009 at his home in Batavia after a courageous battle with cancer. Arthur was born August 28, 1932 the son of Arthur and Dorothy (Campbell) Nelson in his beloved Washburn, Wisconsin, a quaint village on the shores of Lake Superior. After graduating from high school in 1950, he earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin where he took pride in being a member of the Badger Marching Band. He then earned his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. Early in his career, Dr. Nelson taught at Marquette University and Macalester College. He went on to work in chemical and research development at Stauffer Chemical Company and then at Nalco Chemical Company. Thereafter, he joined Zenith Radio Corporation working in Advanced Development Engineering at the helm of their Chemical and Physical Laboratory. In 1977 he joined Carus Chemical Company working in Corporate Business Development and spearheading many innovative industries initiatives. In 1993, Dr. Nelson and Carus associate Peter Mein founded Specialty Products International, Inc. a global seller of inorganic products. His skills as a gifted technical writer, marketer and negotiator were invaluable contributions to the success of their venture. Dr. Nelson was a lifelong activist dedicated to protecting people from the adverse affects of chemical exposure. For decades, he spoke to governing bodies urging them to eliminate the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Whether addressing a small town park district or a large corporation, he was a tireless advocate for the environment. An avid gardener, he and his wife were very proud of their organic, native prairie landscape. His interests were varied. He was an aficionado of classical music and an accomplished pianist himself. He was a train buff and an avid reader whose thirst for knowledge never waned. He will be remembered as a longtime fan of the Green Bay Packers, a passion he shared with his daughter Lisa. He and his wife were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years Shirley (nee Johnson) and his loving daughter Lisa (Ed) Sandall of LaGrange; loving grandfather to Luke, Linnea and Erik Nelson Sandall and a cherished cousin to Mary Jane (Joseph) Jones Smyth and Donald (Toby) Nelson as well as many other cousins and also survived by loyal friend and business partner Peter Mein. He will be dearly missed by his family, his many friends and associates and all those who had the great fortune of knowing this humble, compassionate and insightful gentleman. Funeral service will be celebrated Wednesday November 11, 2009 at 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church 950 Hart Rd. Batavia with the Rev. Ronald Weidler officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery Geneva. Memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church 950 Hart Rd. Batavia, IL. 60510 or Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life at www.mccl.org would be appreciated. Arrangements by the Malone Funeral Home Geneva. Information 630-232-8233