Kenneth R. Nelson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kenneth Richard Nelson, age 88, of Oil City, PA.  Ken passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Ken was a man of very strong faith and we now celebrate that he is in a place of total peace and pure joy like he has never known during his life here on earth.

Born on July 12, 1938, in Coal Run, PA., he was the youngest child of Kenneth and Lucille Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his two sisters, Hattie Colleen, who died at age 18, and Zeta Marie, who died at age 4.

Ken proudly served his country as an MP in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 27, 1963, after serving two years.

A graduate of Clarion University, Ken earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and then continued on to earn his principal certification. He worked in the Oil City Area School District as a teacher, head teacher, and principal for 30 years, retiring in 1997. Ken had an extraordinary gift of recognizing and remembering the many students whose lives he touched, even when encountering them as adults. Many remember his larger-than-life presence and big, booming voice, and perhaps his wooden paddle.

On November 28, 1978, Ken married the love of his life, Coleen(Stover) Schwab, and she survives.

They had a marriage full of love, joy, laughter, faith and family. Their marriage was a beautiful example for all to witness and emulate.

Ken is also survived by a son, Dean Kenneth Nelson and his wife, Tammy.

Also surviving are his bonus children, whom he helped raise and he loved as his own: William W. Schwab and his wife Judy; Ronald A. Schwab and his wife , Melissa; Wendy A. Riley and her husband, Andrew.

Additionally, surviving are his grandchildren: Richard(Kimberly) Nelson, Jonathan(Catelynne) Nelson, Amanda(Ryan) Wolfe, Andrew(Rachel) Schwab,

Jordan(Alicia) Schwab, Tyler(Lindsey) Schwab, Steven (Cory) Schwab, Gavin Schwab, Alyssa(Gabriel) Schiffer, Kaela(Dakota) Mitchell, Braeden Riley, and Spencer Riley.

Many great grandchildren also filled Ken’s heart and home with love, as did so many beloved pets over the years, most recently his cherished dog, Dixie.

Ken’s Christian faith was the cornerstone of how he lived his life. He was an active and faithful member of the Rouseville United Methodist Church, serving on many committees over the years and welcoming everyone.

Ken truly exuded the joy of life! He always had a smile on his face, and he loved to share a joke with everyone he met. He spent many hours busy in his garden as well as watching and feeding the birds in his backyard. In his younger years, he spent multiple hours fishing with Coleen by his side. He was also a very talented woodworker and made many beautiful swings, gliders, and other projects over the years. His annual beach vacations were greatly anticipated and he spent hours surf fishing and walking the beach with Coleen. Ken was able to fix most anything, often in a nontraditional way, reminding us that he was our”Mickey”.

Family and friends will be received from 3-5 P.M.and from 7-9 P.M. Monday in the Reinsel Funeral Home and again from 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. Tuesday in the Rouseville United Methodist Church. A Celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday in the church with Rev. Melissa Whitling, presiding.

Military Honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard.

A special Thanks to AseraCare Hospice for their excellent care these last few weeks and to his caregiver Kim, who cared for Ken with such gentleness and compassion.

Memorials can be made to Rouseville United Methodist Church, Oil Region Library Association or to Venango County Humane Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth R. Nelson, please visit our floral store.