Martin Karl Nelson
January 1, 1944 — February 5, 2010
Martin K. Nelson, age 66 of L'Anse, MI passed away on Friday, February 5, 2010 in Rochester, MN.
Martin was born January 1, 1944 in Albert Lea, Minnesota son of Alvin and Connie (Gilmore) Nelson. He graduated from West High School in Madison, Wisconsin, then went to the University of Wisconsin, the University of Minnesota, and received a Master's Degree from Michigan State University in Forestry. Martin was an artillery officer in the US Army from 1967-1969. He married the former Ann Rahilly on October 6, 1973 in Newberry, MI.
Martin was a forester for the Department of Natural Resources working out of the Newberry, Houghton Lake, Lansing, and Baraga offices. He spent the last 25 years of his career in Baraga retiring in 2005. He was a member of the Society of American Foresters.
He was an active member of Sacred Heart Church of L'Anse, a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society in L'Anse, a member of the Copper Island Ski Club, and served on the Sacred Heart School Board of Education.
He enjoyed wood working and made the trophies for the Great Bear Chase ski race for many years. He also built two sailboats, three kayaks, a canoe and many other wood working projects. He enjoyed cross country skiing, sailing, bike riding, and was "Mr. Fix it". He loved spending time at the family cottage on Round Lake.
Surviving are his wife Ann Nelson of L'Anse; father Alvin Nelson of Phillips, WI; children, Karen (David) La Cross of Lake Linden, MI, Daniel (Jennifer) Nelson of Holt, MI, Laura (Matt) Smylie of Berkley, MI, and Michael Nelson of Marquette, MI; two granddaughters Taylor Nelson and Lucy La Cross; twin brother David (Anita Foss) Nelson of Rhinelander, WI, nieces, Valerie (Charlie) Anderson of Blaine, MN, Christine (Jason Klaus) Nelson of Portland, OR; two great nieces Emily Anderson and Quinn Klaus; in-laws Kathy (David) Wheeler, Peter (Lori) Rahilly, Jean Rahilly and Tom (Jeri Sue) Rahilly all of Newberry, MI.
Preceding him in death are his mother Connie Nelson and sister-in-law Linda Nelson both in 2004.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11 from 5-7 pm at the Jacobson Funeral Home with a Rosary service at 7 pm led by Deacon John Cadeau. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Feb. 12 at 11 am at Sacred Heart Church with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Fr. John Longbucco will officiate. Burial will be in the spring in the Newberry Cemetery with Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry as assisting the family. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is in charge of arrangements.
Friends may sign Martin's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com