CHICAGO, IL (June 1, 2016) — Retired missionary and former North Park University professor and administrator Quentin Nelson died Sunday, May 22. He was 95.
A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at Northbrook Covenant Church.
Quentin was born in Oakland, Nebraska, on September 23, 1920. He married Ruth Erickson on September 2, 1942.
He graduated from the University of Nebraska and North Park Seminary. He earned a master’s degree and doctorate in education from the University of Chicago.
Quentin served in Congo from 1946 to 1960 and then again from 1966 to 1968.
He translated the Gospel of Mark into Ngbandi, which is spoken in the northwestern section of the country, where the ECC established hospitals and schools. It was the first time a book of the Bible had been translated into the tribal language. He also produced a film, “Congolese at the Crossroads.” Additionally, Quentin helped develop mission stations and regional schools and taught teachers at several levels.
While on extended furlough, he taught education at North Park College from 1961 to 1966. When he left the mission field, he returned to teach at the college from 1968 to 1980. He served as the school’s acting dean from 1980 to 1981 and as vice president and dean of the college from 1981 to 1986.
His wife, Ruth, died in 2008. Also preceding him in death was daughter, Bonnie Rubow. Survivors include daughters Karin and Suzanne Nelson; and son, Ted Nelson.
Memorials may be sent to Covenant World Mission and North Park University.
