Ronald Louis "Ron" Nelson's Obituary
Ronald Louis “Ron” Nelson, age 87, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024 at The Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice. Ron was born October 13, 1937 in Muskegon to John H. and Jessie G. (Plumhoff) Nelson and was a lifelong resident of the area. Ron graduated from Muskegon High School and worked as a Sales Manager for Pitney-Bowes. He later started his own company Mail Ship Systems for the sale of office machines. On November 18, 1966, he married Joy R. Young and she preceded him in death on August 5, 2022. Ron was a lifelong member of First Congregational Church where he served on the Building and Grounds Committee and volunteered as an usher. He was also a member of the Muskegon Eagles and the Vikings Lodge where he volunteered at both places. Ron and Joy wintered in Naples, FL after retirement and enjoyed regular visits to Boyne Mountain to explore Northern Michigan. He also enjoyed hiking, traveling and watching sports with his daughter and son-in-law. Ron was an avid reader and a fan of every sport, particularly University of Michigan sports and the Detroit Lions. Ron loved to golf up to the age of 86 and especially enjoyed playing weekly at the Benona Shores Golf Club in New Era with his son-in law. His greatest joy in recent years was visiting and playing ball with his great-grandchildren. Survivors include his daughters, Shelly (Michael) Miller, Vicki (Larry Cone) Nelson Smeby; 4 grandchildren, Kaitlin (Matt) Magnan-Seager, Brenden (Julianna) Magnan, Alexa (John) Franzo, Racquel Smeby; 4 great-grandchildren, Aidan, Cassian, Vivienne Seager and Francesca Franzo; and 1 brother, Douglas Nelson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joy R. Nelson; his parents; and an infant brother, Michael Nelson. A Funeral Service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, January 12, 2025 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444, with Pastor Tim Vander Haar officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place in Lakeside Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Sign the online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com
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