William George Nelson

William “Bill” George Nelson, age 80, of Escanaba, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. He was born on January 10, 1942 in Escanaba, the son of Berthil and Marie (Groff) Nelson. Bill was raised and attended school in Escanaba where he was a 1960 graduate of Escanaba. High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1961 and served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1964. Bill was employed with the Michigan Department of corrections at Camp Cusino in Shingleton, MI until his retirement in 1996. He married the former Janice Ann Perron on October 2, 1982 in Munising, MI and she preceded him in death in 2011. Bill was an author and publisher of a young adult book entitled, Harvey the Great Lakes Whale. One of Bill’s biggest joys in life was playing Mr. and Mrs. Clause with his late wife, Janice. They spent several years bringing joy to the children in Munising, Shingleton, and the surrounding areas. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and writing. Bill was a member of the Vietnam Era Veterans Chapter 237 and the American Legion Post 131, both located in Munising, MI.

Bill Nelson is survived by son, David (Tina) Nelson of Bronson, MI, daughters, Rena (Rod) Nelson-Arnhoelter of Florence, WI, Laurelle (Doug) Woller of Shingleton, MI, and Mary (Bill) Belen of Munising, MI; daughter-in-law, Jeanette Costa-Nelson of Pismo Beach, CA; brother, John (Donna) Nelson of Goleta, CA; the greatest joys in his life were his grandchildren, Ashley, Brandon, Jayme, Christina, Marylynn, Joshua, Michael, Katherine, Samantha, and Sarah, and his numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; he also leaves behind his special lady friend, Betty Pearson.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by his son, William Nelson in 2021; and one sister, Mary Lee Ambroz.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., Friday, August 12, 2022 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Honors will take place at 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba with burial to follow. The family will continue celebrating Bill’s life at Hereford and Hops in Escanaba. Everyone is invited to stop in and share their memories of Bill with the family. 

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