Carl Eugene Nelson's Obituary
Carl Nelson, age 87, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at UM Health-West Hospital, in Wyoming, MI. He was born April 23, 1937, to Robert and Jennie (Buikema) in Coopersville, MI. He attended Coopersville High School and graduated in 1956. On October 5, 1957, Carl married Marion Homoly, and they were able to spend 65 years together before her passing on January 23, 2023. Carl worked as a Journeyman sheet-metal fabricator for Bastian Blessing for 33 years, but his true passion was blueberries. Carl loved being a blueberry farmer and started propagating blueberries at a young age. He had a great business mind and started Nelson’s Blueberry Farm in West Olive, MI with his wife, Marion and it has become a family run business. He enjoyed his blueberry delivery route that took him along the West coast of Michigan up to Traverse City and into Petoskey. Carl liked going to farm related auctions and anytime he could be on his tractor. He was also an avid collector of spark plugs. Carl was a devoted husband and father, and loved being with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his family and the many friends he has created along the way.
Carl is survived by his daughter, Maria (Matt) Nelson-Baker; sons, Mike (Pam) Nelson, John (DeAnna) Nelson, Paul (Lori) Nelson and Tom (Joy) Nelson; grandchildren, David, Brian, Josh, Kyle, Alesha, Kaitlyn, Kara, Mathew, Jacob, Tera, Brody and Lydia; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; sister, Linda (Jim) Brigham; and brothers, Ray (Barb) Nelson and David Nelson. Along with his wife, Marion, he was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Robert, Duane, and Jerry Nelson.
VISITATION with the family will be held 5-7 PM on Monday, September 16, 2024, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417). A FUNERAL SERVICE will be 11 AM on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at The VanZantwick Chapel and VISITATION 1 hour prior to the service. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS in Carl’s memory may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the Nelson family. To share special memories with the family and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.sytsemafh.com.
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