Donald "Pops" W. Nelson

Donald W. Nelson, "Pops," age 90 of Grand Haven, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 surrounded by family. He was born on September 4, 1933 in Grand Haven, MI to the late Carl and Kathryn (Martin) Nelson. 

Don attended school at St. Patrick’s Catholic School and then proudly served our country in the United States Army from 1956 to 1960. On January 31, 1959, He married Jane King at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Don started his career at Oldberg Manufacturing of Grand Haven and became a tool and die maker by trade. He was employed by King Tool and Die and Crown Tool, and later retired from Herman Miller, and then worked another 27 years with family at Air Master Systems. 

Don was a long time member of St. Patrick - St. Anthony Catholic Parish and was an avid bowler, hunter, and fisherman. He was a Golden Eagle Member of the Grand Haven Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #925 and also member of the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28.

In his younger years, Pop’s and his brother founded the “Garbage Can Band,” and they played at various venues around the Tri-Cities and were always heard on the local radio station on Saturday mornings. He enjoyed camping, trail riding on dirt bikes, and playing polka music.

Pop's is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jane; his three children: Rena (Edd) Curry, Karla Nelson, and Don (Denise) Nelson; four grandchildren: Jason Nelson, Amy (Rob) Saurbaugh, Zachary (Alyson) Curry, and Allen Curry; five great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Ken) Ruiter and Marie Nelson; and a niece and nephew.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Chuck Nelson.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Don will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023 at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Catholic Parish with Fr. Dan Schumaker officiating. Full Military Honors to be provided by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Visitations will be held on Sunday, November 19th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, and also one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association of West Michigan or Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care-West Michigan.

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