Norman R. Nelson, “Rhubarb The Clown,” 87, Mt. Morris, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012 at Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mt. Morris.

Norm was born May 22, 1925 in Morris, the son of Roy and Anna (Hejlek) Nelson.

He graduated from Morris High School class of 1943.

Norm enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 before graduating from high school.  He served in the Italian Campaign, earning a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with a Cluster.

He married Virginia Stouffer on July 17, 1954 in Mt. Morris.

Norm worked as an optician for Dr. Kortmeier, he worked for Stouffer Poultry Farm and Hatchery, Mt. Morris, as a sales representative, and he then went to the Mt. Morris Post Office working as a clerk.

He was an amateur ventriloquist, and white-faced clown.

He also was a Ogle County Master Gardener.

Norm is survived by his wife, Virginia Nelson, Mt. Morris; son, Jeffrey Norman (Kathy) Nelson, Huntsville, Ala.; daughter, Kristin (David) Sible, Byron; grandchildren, Rachel, Lauren, Christopher, and Connor Sible, Byron; and sister, Dorothy Anstett, Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held Friday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, rural Forreston, with Rev. Steven Erickson officiating.

Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., Mt. Morris.

Memorials have been established to St. James Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, and the Loaves and Fishes “Pet Pantry.”