Jane Opal (King) Nelson

Jane Opal Nelson, age 83, of Grand Haven, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Lakeshore Assisted Living-Simarron. She was born on April 13, 1941, in Grand Haven, MI, to the late Frederick and Rena (Roberts) King. Jane married Donald “Pops” Nelson on January 31, 1959, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Grand Haven. He preceded her in death on November 15, 2023, after 64 years of marriage.

Jane graduated from Grand Haven High School and went on to graduate from Cosmetology school. Early in her career, she worked as a Cosmetologist in Muskegon and Grand Haven. She later graduated from Muskegon School of Business with a Bookkeeping degree. Jane worked as a bookkeeper, teller and branch manager before retiring in 1989 from Huntington Bank's corporate office in Holland in the electronic payroll department.

She was a member of St. Patrick - St. Anthony’s Parish for many years. There, she served by being involved in the Eucharist Ministry program delivering to those who were homebound, local nursing homes, as well as at St. Patrick - St. Anthony's Parish. She also served as a Presiders Assistant.

Jane was very involved in her community, and while her children were growing up, she volunteered for the Right to Life movement with St. Patrick’s Church, and later, the Professional Women’s Association where she was elected as the travel and program manager.

Jane loved playing cards and knitting. She and Pops enjoyed wintering down in Florida for 10 years and also enjoyed many years of polka dancing together. Jane and Don enjoyed being home with family and watching their children and grandchildren grow, who were the most important highlights of both their lives.

Jane will be lovingly remembered and missed by her 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; sister, Dorothy (Ken) Ruiter; sister-in-law, Marie Nelson; and niece and nephew, Teresa and Carl.

In addition to her parents and husband, Pops, she was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Chuck Nelson.

The Funeral Mass for Jane will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Catholic Parish, with Fr. Dan Schumaker officiating. Visitations will be held on Monday evening, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Patrick - St. Anthony Catholic Parish or the American Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan.

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