William "Bill" John Nelson

Munising

William “Bill” John Nelson, age 68, of Munising, died early Monday evening, February 27, 2017 at the Tendercare Health Center in Munising.  Bill was born on October 15, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Henry and Madelle (Drennan) Nelson.  He graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in 1966 and the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1970. Bill had a strong work ethic and worked up until his health failed him. Bill loved to read. He wrote several screenplays.

Bill also worked as a merchant seaman, substitute teacher, and nurse assistant. While living in Rapid River, Escanaba, and Munising, he worked for Pathways and Goodwill.  He enjoyed golfing, writing, and cheering on U of M sports and the Detroit Lions.  Bill was always a kind gentleman.

Bill was a great kid who was curious and quiet. As a young man he was quite studious and a good athlete (particularly at baseball). He attended college in Ann Arbor during the 1960’s where he saw a great deal of change. Bill’s mental health failed him several years after graduating and he coped with this for the remainder of his life. Those who knew him from that time remember the Bill that was inside him in spite of his illness, the Bill they enjoyed as a friend.

Bill is survived by brothers David Nelson of Troy, Michigan and John Nelson, sister-in-law Deborah Gaydos and nephew Miles Nelson, all of Santa Monica CA.

Services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 121 W. Onota Street in Munising on Saturday, April 29, 2017.   Visiting time with family and friends will be held from 12:00 noon until the memorial service at 1:00 p.m.  The family will also spend time visiting at the church following the memorial service.