Obituary of John Kenneth Nelson

Of Mt. Morris, age 85, died Friday, September 23, 2011, at his daughter's home. The funeral service will take place 11:00 am, Monday, September 26, 2011, at the Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. Chaplain Don Smith will officiate. Burial will follow in Flint Memorial Park with graveside military honors conducted by the American Legion Post #158. Family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Those desiring, may direct memorial contributions to the Hospice of Bay City. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. John was born July 14, 1926, in Kennett, Missouri, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John and Carolyn (Jansen) Nelson. He and Goldie Levart were united in marriage in 1942; she preceded him in death in 1998. Later, he and Edna Lester were united in marriage in 2001. John proudly served the United States Navy during World War II, continuing his service as a life member of the VFW Post #8236. He then came to Michigan in 1950 from Missouri in order to better his family's life. He worked for General Motor-Buick and Beecher Lumber, retiring in the late 1970s. John was an extraordinary man; he loved his family and the time he was able to spend with them. Left to cherish his memory are, wife, Edna; four children, Larry and wife, Sandy Nelson, Janice and husband, Herbert Winterlee, Donna and husband, Dick Merhrman, Randy Nelson and fiancee, Kathy Hepburn; four step-sons; 10 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Sue and husband, Ed Buschette; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Goldie; granddaughter, Melissa Mehrman; two brothers, Marian and Bruce Nelson; and sister, Roselyn Nelson.