Gordon Nelson

Gladstone, MI

Gordon A. Nelson, 94, of Gladstone, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at North Woods Place.

Gordon was born May 5, 1928 in Gladstone, son of the late Frank and Grace (McKinnon) Nelson. He graduated from Horlick High School, Racine Wisconsin in 1946. He enlisted in the United States Army during the occupation of Japan, serving in Tokyo, in General MacArthur’s office. After receiving an honorable discharge, he went on to graduate from Cloverland Commercial College in Escanaba, where he met his future wife, Patricia Peterson. Gordon and Patricia were married on December 28, 1948 in Perkins at St. Joseph church, after which they spent three years in Racine, both working for the Massey Harris Tractor company. They returned to Gladstone in 1952, where Gordon worked at Harnischfeger for 31 years. Gordon was an avid Packer fan. He also had a deep interest in computers and was President and Editor of the Delta Computer Club. His grandfather (Emil Nelson), was the town photographer for many years so it follows that Gordon was very interested in photography, and in 1963 he opened Gordon’s Studio in Gladstone while still working at Harnischfeger.  After 30 years in business Gordon and Patricia retired from the studio in 1993.

Gordon was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, his parents, and brothers James and Harold.

Gordon is survived by his children, James, Joan (Richard) Maatta, Lois (Daniel) Corcoran and sister, Marilyn Anderson. He is also survived by his grand children, Kelly Corcoran, Natalie Anderson, and Megan Wallenfang, as well as six great grandchildren.

Private services honoring Gordon will be held at the convenience of the family. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Nelson family.