John C. Nelson's Obituary
Mr. John C. Nelson, age 60, died unexpectedly Friday afternoon, April 23, 2004, at Hackley Hospital. He was born July 9, 1943 in Muskegon to Harry A. & Roxzena A. (Alger) Nelson and had been a life resident of the area. He was an active member of Giles Road Baptist Church., where he participated with its music ministry every Sunday. Music was John’s passion. He taught music for 27 years and had been an influential educator with Ravenna Public Schools prior to his retirement in 2001. He was a 1965 graduate of Western Michigan University and then a 1979 graduate of Michigan State University’s Master’s Program. SURVIVORS include 2 sons, David Nelson and fiancée Beth Smith of Spring Lake and John P. (Melanie) Nelson of Indiana; 1 grandson, Patrick Nelson; 2 future grandchildren, Christina & Kevin Smith; 1 great-granddaughter, Libbie; several nieces and nephews and caregiver and friend, Suzanne McIntyre, to whom John’s family want to give special thanks. John was preceded in death by his brother, Harry Nelson Jr. (December, 2003) and by his parents. SERVICES will be 1:00 PM Tuesday at
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
737 Apple Avenue
231-726-5210
with Pastor Darrell Storvik officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. VISITATION with John’s family will be 2-4 & 6-8PM Monday. For a more lasting memorial, please consider Giles Road Baptist Church.
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