William Alvin Nelson of Pekin, Ill., formerly of Poulsbo, died Feb. 2, 2012, at Pekin Manor. He was 88.

Born Aug. 16, 1923, in Villisca, Iowa, to Leland B. and Elmo Essington Nelson. Married Marion Jean Volkens on Sept. 5, 1947 in Peoria. Served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

Attended Notre Dame University, University of Illinois, and Bradley University, where he earned a master’s degree in engineering administration.An engineer for Caterpillar Inc., Mossville Engine Division, for 30 years, retiring in 1983.

Member of First United Presbyterian Church in Pekin, where he had served as an elder. Former member of First United Presbyterian Church in Peoria for 30 years. Enjoyed golfing and had been a member of the Society of Value Engineers in Peoria. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Presbyterian Church, 1717 Highwood Ave., Pekin, IL 61554.

Survived by his wife, Marion; sons, Peter K. (Jan) Nelson of Plymouth, Mich., Hugh D. (Brenda) Nelson of Poulsbo and Christopher P. (Michele) Nelson of Pekin; one grandson; and three granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister.

— Family of William Alvin Nelson