Perkins, MI
Dennis Richard Nelson of Perkins was called home by the Lord on November 16, 2015 while surrounded by his family.
Dennis was born April 6, 1935 in Escanaba , the son of Oscar and Lillian (Alquist) Nelson. He was raised in the Groos area with his parents, brothers and sister until the family relocated to Perkins. Dennis resided there until he left to further his education. Following college he went on to do many great things. Never afraid of hard work, he mastered many trades. Dennis loved the woods, fishing, hunting and had an appreciation for the simple things in life.While attending Bethany Lutheran Church in Perkins he served as a member of the church council. Dennis had many things he loved to do but he was always at his best whenever he was surrounded by his family and friends. This is what mattered to him the most. Dependable, capable and feisty he was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it. Always proud of his Swedish, Danish and German heritage he had many stories to share, rich in history. After 80 years of life he had a wisdom that only time can instill. Dennis was our pillar and a great example to everyone who new him. Am modest man who did so much for the world around him and never expected anything in return.
Dennis is survived by his brother, Ray (Pat) Nelson, his sister, Eileen Demeuse ; his children, Connie Nelson (Joe Eury), Scott (Tanya) Nelson, Dale Nelson, Kim Nelson, Ryan (Melissa) Nelson and Cathy Roberts. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Scotty, Sarah, Callie, Courtney, Joey, Dustin, Amber, Billy and Alexis and his great grandchildren, Axel, Quinn, Levi, Isabella, and Weston as well as many nieces, nephews and all of his Hardwood family.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother, Arne and his brother, John.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 23 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (EST) at the Mission Covenant Church in Foster City. Memorial services will follow at 2:00 PM (EST) at the church with Rev. Carl Hammer officiating. A luncheon will be served following the services in the fellowship hall.
The Nelson family is being assisted by the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Esanaba.
Linda & Les Delvaux
Sending our condolences to the Nelson family.Oh how I remember going to his parents home in Perkins.
Coffee pot was always ready. Best of people. Friends of my parents, Ingrid & Albert Anderson.
Cheryl Bernard
Dear Eileen & Family~
So sorry for your loss of Dennis. Our thoughts & prayers go out to all of you.
Sincerely,
Cheryl & Dennis
Amber Nelson - Escanaba, MI
I remember all of the good times we had. Even as a grandpa.. he was like a father to me, being that his son my dad isn’t home often due to his job away from home. He’d come pretty much EVERY week if not every week. He taught me a lot of important things, like not to waste the things you have because there are other people who wish they had what we have. He’d often go to camp and most of the time he’d bring my brother and I along being that we’re his grandchildren after all! He’d put his family’s needs before his own a lot. It’s been EXACTLY 1 Year, 4 Months, 30 Days, 12 Hours and 43 Minutes. But despite the time since then, I still feel sad EVERY TIME I even THINK about him. He was SO good to us even at the times we weren’t good to him. But he’d want us to be happy even now that he’s gone! I remember the day he died, I had the choice to take a picture with him before he died.. but I said no because I was scared. I thought he’d pull through as he ALWAYS did… but that wasn’t how it happened. If I could go back I would take that picture, I would have took the chance to make one last memorable moment with him. And if somewhere he’s watching me, looking at this.. just know i’m sorry that I was never who you tried to raise me to be. The good child you’d always tried making me.. and if I could I would have died to save you.