Robert Earl Nelson

Robert Earl Nelson, age 75, Bates Died Sat. March 8, 2008 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility, Crystal Falls, MI. Born: November 24, 1932 in Iron River. The son of the late Nels and Signe (Bjorkman) Nelson. He was the great-grandson of early Bates Township settlers. He attended Rogers School. On June 6, 1953 he married the former Nancy Jo Stark of Watersmeet. The couple made their home in Bates and they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2003. He was drafted in 1953, serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War attaining the rank of corporal. He served as Combat Construction Specialist in the 78th Engineering Battalion and was honorably discharged on June 22, 1955.He received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He worked for Layne Northwest, Vacationland Dairy, and Michigan Milk Producers for many years. He then worked in partnership with his sons in the logging business, retiring in 1994. Robert owned and operated a beef farm in Bates Township. He was elected as Bates Township Supervisor in 1984 and served 22 years. He helped establish the West Iron County Fire Department in 1987 and served in the capacity of chairman for many years. He also was instrumental in the water, sewer and cemetery projects in Bates. He was a member of the American Legion Alfred Branchini Post #17, Iron River, the Teamsters, the Iron County Timberman's Association and served on the Iron County Fair Board. He was named Iron County Agricultural Businessman of the Year in 1987. Robert was an avid deer hunter and trout fisherman. He loved gardening, specifically cultivating prize tomatoes and pumpkins. He loved spending time outdoors on the family farm and in his woodworking shop. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Harvey Nelson and his sister, Alice Volk. Survived by his wife Nancy Sisters; Evelyn Javoroski, Iron River, MI. Virginia Nelson, Florence, WI, 4 daughters; Diana (Steve) Buzzell, Fenton, MI. Sherry (Rick) Slade, Brighton, MI. Susan (Bruce) Hasenbank, Free Soil, MI. Nancy (Bill) Johnson, Iron River, MI 4 sons; Robert (Diana) Nelson, Rushford, MN Larry (Theresa) Nelson, Iron River, MI Steven (Caton) Nelson, Allegan, MI Michael (Tracy) Nelson, Iron River, MI. 29 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren many nieces and nephews Visitation: Monday March 10, 2008 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River, MI. A Liturgical Prayer service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Service: Tuesday March 11, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Iron River, MI. with the Rev. Norman Clisch Pastor, to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Robert's grandchildren will form an honor guard at the funeral service. Interment; Bates Township Cemetery, Iron River, MI Pallbearers; son-in-laws; Rick Slade, Bill Johnson, Steve Buzzell, Bruce Hasenbank and friends Ernest Schmidt Jr. and Chester Benson. Funeral Arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River, MI. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Earl Nelson, please visit our flower store.