John Nelson

John passed away early Saturday morning on April 19, 2014 at Bronson Hospital with his family at his side. He was born on July 20, 1950 in Traverse City, MI, the son of the late Dick and Jane White Nelson, and spent most of his childhood growing up in Lake Ann, MI. John graduated from Portage Central High School in 1968. John proudly served in the Army National Guard of Michigan Reserve from 1969-1975. John enjoyed working in Building Trades Construction and graduated from the Lindbergh Apprenticeship School in 1975. He received his Master Plumber's license in 1976 which he currently maintained and was a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 357 for 43 years. He was extremely knowledgeable in most every aspect of construction and interpreting regulation and safety codes. Anyone who worked with John trusted him for the right answer to many complicated issues. John worked as a Project Manager for the W. Soule Company for 20 years until November 2008, and held the company's Master Plumber's license for the entire tenure. He also worked as Field Superintendent for Jacobs Construction at Pfizer for three years until he retired in May of 2012. After his retirement, John spent his time working on remodeling the home at Lake Ann, MI and clearing his lot and building a camping shed at Stevens Lake. He shared many fond memories of spending time there with his family, friends, and cousins at this "little piece of heaven." His hobbies were fishing, golfing, gun shows, and loved cooking special meals. He was a great entertainer and everyone enjoyed his magic talents and the songs he sang and played on his guitar. He was a member of the Society of American Magicians and an active member of the Chief Engineers Club. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane White Nelson; father, Dick Nelson; sister, Karen Nelson; brother, Rick Nelson; and nephew, Jim Acha. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Nelson whom he married in 1981 and was a devoted step-father to her four children, Derek Weisman, Schan Weisman (Mylynn), Terence Weisman, (Yvonne), and Mandy Weisman Kokales (Therron); his sister, Andrea Kelly (Larry); brother, Mike Nelson (Terri); and sister-in-law, Maxine A. Meitz. Also, nieces, Sue Acha LaFountain (Steve), and Rachel and Amy Nelson. He had five step-granddaughters, Regena Kokales, Belle Kokales, Sarah Weisman, Ella Weisman, and Elyssa Weisman; and several grand-nieces and nephews. John was an active member of Lakeland Reformed Church where he served as an Elder on the Consistory. He was also a Stephen Minister and enjoyed leading a Shepherd Group. He also served with the local chapter of the Gideons International. John had a special charismatic personality and made everyone feel very comfortable in his presence. He fought a very courageous battle with Leukemia, was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be on Sunday, April 27 from 2-5 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre. Services will be held at Lakeland Reformed Church, 10442 Sprinkle Road, Vicksburg, MI, on Monday, April 28 at 11 AM. Donations in John's memory may be made for his five granddaughters College Trust Fund.