Kim Nilsson

To a loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Kim DeLeo Nilsson, 62, peacefully passed away on February 25, 2019, in Oregon, IL. He was born on May 3, 1956, in Rockford, the son of Bill and Doris (Benson) Nilsson. Kim graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1974. Kim had a jovial spirit; laughter paired with a joke and a smile were never far from his lips. Described as a simple man, he was never one to be a burden on others and that was exemplified in how hard he worked, he worked with CNC Machines for over 20 years.  Taking cues from one of his favorite bands, The Allman Brother’s Band, who said: “You got to let your Soulshine, shine ’til the break of day.” Kim let his soul shine, he paired it with an even bigger heart; it showed in his willingness to help anyone that needed a hand, and that kindness was extended to his love of animals, a trait that was passed down from his sweet mother. A die-hard Packers and Cubs fan, you could often find him excitedly watching or listening to a game and messaging his enthusiastic comments to family and friends. He would tell you that the Cubs winning the World Series was one the best moments of his life. If he wasn’t watching sports, you could find him “kicking back” as he would say, with one of his many hobbies and talents that included model trains, classic cars, camping, fishing, and listening to Blues, Rock and Roll, and Southern Rock. The only thing bigger than his love for the Packers was the love Kim had for his family. His children, Rob and Trisha, and his granddaughters, Keys, and Jayla meant the absolute world to him. He will be deeply missed.  Kim was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Doris, sisters Jody Donahoe and Heidi Nilsson, niece Wendy Donahoe, and great-nephew Jack Marler. Left to remember Kim with love are his daughter Trisha (Jay) Montgomery, son Robert Nilsson, granddaughters Keyera and Jayla Montgomery, sister Susan (John) Howell, niece Dawn (Dustin) Burton, nephew Timothy (Kaydee) Marler II, great-niece and nephews Hailey Donahoe, Daniel Arroyo, Dylan and Gavin Burton, and David Marler. The family would like to give a special thanks to Serenity Hospice for the care of Kim. Although his stay was short, he loved being there and felt at home. There will be Celebration of Life at a later date and burial will be at Mouth of Stillman Cemetery in the spring. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family.  www.statelinecremations.com