Norman L. Nilsson

August 14, 1926 - June 18, 2022

Lifelong Edwardsville resident Norm L. Nilsson, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 18, 2022. He was 95. He was born in Edwardsville, Il, on August 14, 1926, to the late Vern and Eva (Marti) Nilsson. A proud member of the EHS Class of 1944, Norm was drafted in 1945 and served in the US Army. Norm married Mary Hentz in May of 1955 and they spent fifty-five happy years together raising four children until her death in 2010. He was married to Raona Hentz of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, for three years until her death in 2014. Norm was exceptionally active in St Boniface Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He played a role in the location and construction of the EHS Sports Complex. Norm was also a willing emcee for any event. Norm had a lifelong career in sales and also worked for Madison County Jail part-time after his retirement. He was a lover of word games and "Dad Humor" who loved nothing more than sitting with friends and family telling stories. He was also an avid follower and supporter of EHS sports. Norm filled a room. Norm is survived by four children: Mimi (Don) Kienstra of Naperville, Illinois; Tom (Monica) Nilsson and Ty (Patti) Nilsson of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and Julie (Scott) Smith of St Louis. He is also survived by his sister; Jewell Backs of Granite City, thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Norm was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother, a great-grandchild and countless friends. A memorial visitation will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville on Friday, June 24, 2022, from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm. A Mass will follow at 1:00 pm with the Very Rev. Jeffrey H. Goeckner presiding. A private interment will be held at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Glen Carbon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials to the St. Boniface Angel Fund.