Kenneth L. Nelson was born July 18, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois to W.H. Nelson Sr. and Zeaphilin Nelson. The second eldest of four children, "Ken" was the rock of this family. Wherever we needed guidance and support we could count on him. Ken graduated from Calumet High School in 1974. In 1983 he earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Ken was passionate in his quest for a higher education and continued to pursue his goals by securing a Master's degree in Library Science from Rosary College in 1994. In 1979 Ken went to work for the City of Chicago. He held several clerical positions and eventually worked his way up to become branch manager at the Chicago Public Library's Douglas Branch. Ken used his creative skills to make learning exciting for children. Always generous with his time and expertise, Ken helped develop a book club for children in the community. Ken departed from this life on June 2, 2010. He leaves behind his siblings: Beatrice Gillespie (Nathaniel) of Minneapolis, Shirley Nelson, W.H. Nelson, Jr. of Minneapolis; 2 nephews, Nathaniel II and Jarrell; his niece, Nakida, 2 great nieces, D'naja and Jaila as well as a host of aunts,uncles,cousins,and other relatives and friends.