Donald Marion Nelson, 88, of Battle Creek, passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Thornapple Manor in Hastings. He was born April 25, 1926 in Willmar, MN the son of Charles and Susanna (Mootz) Nelson. He served in the US Navy during WWII. He married the late Maude “Ellen” Nelson on July 1, 1948 in Chicago, IL. He retired as Chief Photographer after 22 years of service from the Battle Creek Enquirer and News. Don loved building and flying r/c model airplanes and was a member of the Battle Creek Balsa Bees. He was also a member of the Northside Snowmobile Club, Drum and Bugle Corps and Burnham Brooks Senior Center. He was a previous scout leader for the Boy Scouts. Don enjoyed boating, traveling and camping. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, John (Sue) Nelson, Jim (Rose) Nelson, Joe (Cathleen) Nelson and Lori Stahlhood; siblings, Chucky (Monte) Nelson, Dottie (Vic) Pinkerton and Evie Wavinak; grandchildren, Michael, Jason (Julie), Lucas, Aleesha, Katie; great grandchildren, Blake, Andrew, Alexus, Jayden, Makenzie, Gavin, Haley, Miley, and Bryce.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Maude “Ellen”.
A visitation celebrating both the lives of Don and Ellen will be held Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 2:00-5:00 PM at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service. A private family burial will be at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Memorial tributes may be made to American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Foundation.