Ernest Leroy Mike Nelson

Ernest "Mike" Nelson, age 100, of Olivet passed away Saturday, October 21, 2017, at Grand Vista Assisted Living in Marshall. He was born October 27, 1916, in Olivet, the son of James Ira and Mina Elizabeth (Boyd) Nelson. Mike graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1934. He then attended Michigan State University. On July 16, 1939, he married Lucille R. Starks in the Olivet Congregational Church. While maintaining a farm, Mike served as a postal clerk in Olivet. He then went on to work in sales and management for Wertz Implement, Charlotte, for 27 years and as an insurance adjuster for Farm Mutual. Mike was the builder and former owner of the Nelson Building, which replaced businesses lost in the 1986 Olivet fire. He served on the Eaton County Fair Board from which he received an Outstanding Service Award in 1981. He was a member of the Marshall Moose Lodge 676, Legion of the Moose, Eaton County Farm Bureau, Olivet Crank and Throttle Model A Club, and Olivet Congregational Church. Mike is survived by his children: Jane OBrien of Olivet, Tom (Peggy) Nelson of Bradenton, FL; grandchildren: Ben (Carol) Nelson of Olivet, Chris (Erin) Nelson of Boston, MA, Kathy (John) Baker of Grand Rapids; five great grandchildren; and special friend, Nina Randall of Battle Creek. He was preceded in death by his wife Lucy in 1991; siblings: Iris Nelson, James Nelson, Vivian Nelson, Edyth Crannell, Margaret Randall, and two infant brothers. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11 AM at the Olivet Congregational Church with Reverend Jack Brown officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4-7 PM at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, Charlotte. Interment will take place in Bosworth Cemetery, Olivet. Those desiring may make contributions in Mikes memory to the Olivet Congregational Church, 125 College Street, Olivet, MI 49076 or Heartland Hospice, 8075 Creekside Drive, Suite 120, Portage, MI 49024.