ESCANABA - William R. "Nips" Nelson, 58, 915 3rd Ave. S., Escanaba, passed away on Tuesday morning, Nov. 17, 2009, at Christian Park Village.
He was born on Feb. 25, 1951, in Escanaba, the son of Hugh and Dorothy (Peters) Nelson. William attended Escanaba schools, graduating from Escanaba High School in 1969.
He worked a variety of jobs throughout his life. He worked for Lakeside Machine as a machine operator, Debacker Construction, and on the ore boat, Joseph L. Block, retiring in 2005.
"Nips," as he was so fondly known by his many friends and family, enjoyed socializing and having coffee at the "office" each morning. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, and was an avid fan of the Detroit Lions and of NASCAR driver, 17 Matt Kenseth. He was a lifetime member of the North America Hunting Club.
William was Catholic by faith.
Among survivors include his three children, Cory (Dawn) Nelson of Davenport, Iowa, Craig (Julie) Nelson of Escanaba, and Kristi (Jason Anderson) Nelson of Gladstone; grandchildren, Patrick, Hailey, Samuel, and Derec Nelson and Dylan and Zack Anderson; his mother, Dorothy Nelson; sister, Mary (Russ) Nelson of Bark River; brother-in-law, Steve Boudreau; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.
He also is survived by his very faithful companion, his dog, Butter.
William was preceded in death by his father, Hugh, and his sister, Patricia Boudreau.
Visitation will be on Friday, Nov. 20, from 3 6 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Escanaba with a service at 6 p.m. led by Lewis Hague of Blessed Hope Baptist Church.
Burial will be in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Nelson family with arrangements.
