Robert J. Nelson, 78, of Downers Grove died Monday in Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. Born in Prairie du Chien, Wis., Mr. Nelson was a retired Air Force major and a regional director with the Child Nutrition Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was a golf instructor for 19 years at the Downers Grove Golf Course and was active in Scouting and youth hockey. Survivors include his wife, Patricia; two sons, John and Jim; a daughter, Janet Roberts; and three grandchildren. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Adams-Winterfield and Sullivan Funeral Home, 4343 Main St., Downers Grove. Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday in the funeral home, followed by a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4810 Main St., Downers Grove.
