Donald W. Nelson, age 92, of Escanaba passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Lakehouse Assisted Living in Escanaba.
Donald was born November 3, 1932 in Rapid River, the son of Leonard and Vivian (Caswell) Nelson Sr. He grew up in Rapid River and graduated from the Rapid River High School. He served in the United States Air Force and was Korean War Veteran. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Ruth Johnson. Don’s life work was with the State of Michigan Highway Department, inspecting bridges for many years until his retirement.
Don is survived by his daughters, Connie (Mark) Lentz and Helen (Russell) Gies.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, son, Dean Leonard Nelson, his parents and brother, Leonard “Nook” Nelson Jr.
The Nelson family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone and Lakehouse Assisted Living in Escanaba and UP Health System Hospice for their care and compassion while caring for Don.
Memorial contributions in Don’s name may be directed to Leader Dog’s for the Blind, UP Health System Hospice or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Donald will be laid to rest in the Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba.
The Nelson family is be assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Escanaba.
Peter Brock - Rapid River , MI
To Don’s daughters,
I was saddened when I saw that Don had passed away. He was one of our coffee crew at Jack’s Restaurant in Rapid River. Occasionally, when he was living on his own, my wife, Cindy, would bake a homemade pie. Whenever I would get a chance I would visit him. I will miss him and his knowledge on a number of things.
My condolences to your families.
Bob and Rita Lindahl - Gladstone, MI
To the family of Don…we are very sorry for your loss. Don was a great guy. He was a kind, loving, generous man with a great sense of humor! It was a pleasure to visit him and help him when he needed help. He will be missed and remembered.
Love and prayers, Bob and Rita Lindahl
Dawn Holmgren - Rapid River, Mi
Helen and Connie, He was so proud of you both. I thought the world of him. He was a great friend when I cleaned and painted for him, we talked about numerous things. He will be sadly missed. Sincerely Dawn Holmgren ♥️