Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Donald Nelson Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Donald was born November 3, 1932 in Rapid River, the son of Leonard and Vivian (Caswell) Nelson Sr. He grew up in Rapid River and graduated from the Rapid River High School. He served in the United States Air Force and was Korean War Veteran. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Ruth Johnson. Don's life work was with the State of Michigan Highway Department, inspecting bridges for many years until his retirement.
Don is survived by his daughters, Connie (Mark) Lentz and Helen (Russell) Gies.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, son, Dean Leonard Nelson, his parents and brother, Leonard "Nook" Nelson Jr.
The Nelson family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone and Lakehouse Assisted Living in Escanaba and UP Health System Hospice for their care and compassion while caring for Don.
Memorial contributions in Don's name may be directed to Leader Dog's for the Blind, UP Health System Hospice or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Donald will be laid to rest in the Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba.
The Nelson family is be assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Escanaba.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
118 South 12th Street, Escanaba, MI 49829
Make a Donation
in Donald Nelson's name
People and places connected with Donald
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Nelson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
