Lois (Karnitz) Nelson

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GLADSTONE - Lois (Karnitz) Nelson, 72, of 155 S. 29th St., Gladstone, died Saturday afternoon, Aug. 9, 2008, at the Marquette General Hospital following a lengthy illness.

Lois was born, April 22, 1936, in Gladstone, the daughter of Rufus and Josephine (Standing) Karnitz. She was raised in Gladstone and attended and graduated from the Gladstone High School, Class of 1954.

Following high school, Lois went to work for the Escanaba paper mill.

On June 18, 1955, she was united in marriage to Ronald Nelson at the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. She continued to work, for a short time, at the paper mill until the arrival of their first son, changing her career path to motherhood.

Over the next nine years, Lois and Ron made their home in the Gladstone area. As one of the founders of "Diaper Road," Lois and Ron raised their four sons and spent the next 20 years in their newly constructed home in Flat Rock.

Throughout the years, Lois and Ron enjoyed following their son's sporting events and spending time at their cottage on Maywood Shores.

Lois and Ron spent many happy years traveling to visit their children. In addition, the couple had many not so prosperous, but wonderful trips, to Las Vegas.

Lois was a member of her card club for 22 years, member of the Gladstone Yacht Club, treasurer for many years of the Tops Club and former member of the Escanaba Eagles Club.

She enjoyed taking trips to the casino and going to their cottage on Maywood Shores.

Christmas was a year-long hobby for Lois, starting in January of each year, assuring a beautiful Christmas for her entire family. She never met a stranger and always made people feel like she had known them forever. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Survivors include Lois' loving husband, Ron; four sons, Terry Nelson of Escanaba, Tony Nelson of Traverse City, Todd (Mary Ann) Nelson of Gladstone, Troy (Lisa) Nelson of Wyoming, Mich.; one brother, Victor (Betty) Karnitz of Gladstone; six grandchildren, Chad, Kali, Greg, Jacob, Adam and Jennifer (Jason); and two great-grandchildren, Osten and Ellie. Also listed among the surviving family are many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, Rufus and Josephine, Lois was preceded in death by her grandson, Joshua Nelson.

The Nelson family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.

Mass of Christian Burial services will follow visitation at 6 p.m. at the All Saint Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Parish Hall.

Committal will take place in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.

Contributions in Lois' name may be directed to the All Saint's Church Elevator Fund or the Beacon/Hospitality House.

Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.

Messages of condolence to honor Lois Nelson can be directed online at www.skradski-boycefuneralhomes.com