George Neilson

George E. Neilson, 94, of Cape Girardeau passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 12, 2011, at Southeast Hospital.

He was the son of George E. and Margaret Rouff Neilson, born Oct. 22, 1916, in Springfield, Ill. He and Ann Voss were married April 14, 1945, in the Congregational Church of Bonne Terre, Mo.

George graduated from Riverside-Brookfield High School in Brookfield, Ill., and the University of Illinois School of Engineering with a degree in mechanical engineering. He joined the engineering department of Monsanto Chemical Co.

He served in the U.S. Army in 1945 and 1946.

George later worked as a field engineer with Architect-Engineering Companies. He retired in 1978 from the corporate engineering department of Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago.

He was a professional engineer of Illinois, a life member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Amateur Radio League, American Legion of Murphysboro, Ill., Alumnae Association of University of Illinois and the Clan Stewart Society in America. He was a member of the Presidents Council of the University of Illinois and the Quarter Century Club.

George was interested in and active in amateur radio. He was licensed as W9OTX and a member of SEMO Amateur Radio Club. He had been president of the Radio Club of Southern Illinois, Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois, AARP of Jackson County, Ill., and Little Egypt Winnebago Club.

He is survived by his wife; and a brother and sister-in-law, Robert R. and Lorna K. Voss of Desloge, Mo.

George donated his body to Washington University School of Medicine.

A private memorial service will be held.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to Chateau Girardeau or charity of your choice.