David J. Nelson

David (a.k.a. Davey, Dave) John Nelson, age 84, of Munising, MI passed away peacefully at Medilodge of Munising on Monday morning, August 12, 2024. Born to Henry and Hannah (Kallioinen) Nelson in 1939, Dave spent most of his life in Munising. He was a 1957 graduate of Wm. G. Mather High School. After a brief stint in the army, Dave worked for Interlake Steamship Company in his early 20s and again in his early 30s. The Herbert Jackson, John T. Hutchinson, Frank Armstrong, and the E.G. Grace were some of the ships he sailed on. Dave returned to Munising to work at the Kimberly Clark paper mill where he remained until retirement.

Dave loved hunting, snowmobiling, and cruising his “birdmobile” in the woods. During his younger years, he enjoyed the thrill of ski jumping. Ham radio “WD8RMV” was a major interest of his at one time and he communicated with other radio operators from around the world. Dave loved to participate in the Mackinac Bridge walk on Labor Day and spend the 4th of July in Grand Marais. He was known in his later life for cruising slowly in his truck around town and visiting the Dogpatch restaurant on a daily basis.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, brothers Ray (Elaine), Ralph (Betty), Gordon, sister Caroline, and his nephews Paul Nelson and Ralph Nelson. He is survived by nieces Linda Conroy (Gene), Lori Nelson, Amy Nelson, Mara Snedeker (Jason), nephew John Nelson (Jeanna), sister-in-law Deanna Nelson, niece-in-law Lisa Nelson, great niece and nephews Adam Rizzuti (Jessica), Jess Rizzuti, Andrew Snedeker, and Gunnar Nelson.

Dave's family would like to extend sincere thanks to those who cared for him at Medilodge of Munising and Munising Memorial Hospital. Additional recognition goes out to all the Dogpatch employees who waited on Dave over the years.

A funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Munising on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Negaunee Cemetery where Dave will be buried next to his parents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alger County Animal Shelter.

“WD8RMV clear 73”