Ishpeming – Gail D. (Nelson) Evans, age 89, longtime Ishpeming resident passed away on Tuesday November 2, 2010 at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming surrounded by her loving family.


Gail was born March 31, 1921 in Negaunee, the daughter of the late Joseph and Ethel (Davey) Annear. She grew up in Negaunee and was a graduate of the Negaunee High School, Class of 1938. She spent most of her adult life in Ishpeming, working briefly for the I.N.N. Community Schools in the Adult Education Program. She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church. Gail cherished time spent with her group of close friends, and one even remarked, "The definition of a friend is Gail." She had enjoyed bowling in area leagues in her younger years.


Survivors include her husband of the past 24 years Douglas Evans of Ishpeming, a daughter Patricia Johnson of Negaunee, a son Kenneth Nelson of Ishpeming, step-children – Gary Evans of Negaunee, Don (Linda) Evans of Tomahawk, WI and Dennis (Joyce) Evans of Ishpeming, 2 sisters – Corinne Hoiem of Negaunee and Nora Holman of Marquette, a brother Joe Annear of St. Augustine, FL, 5 grandchildren – Kurt (Ranae Beckman) Johnson, Randy (Cecilia) Johnson, Brad Johnson, Brett Nelson and Gregg (Jennie) Nelson, 3 great grandchildren – Johnny, Charlie and Alea, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband Alvin Nelson, sisters – Marion Annear, Jean Manfra and Phyllis Barker, a daughter-in-law Kay Nelson and sisters-in-law Leona and Mabel Nelson.


The family will greet relatives and friends from 3:00-4:00pm on Friday Nov. 5, 2010 at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming. Funeral Services will be held at 4:00pm on Friday at the Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Scott Lindenberg to officiate. Interment will take place at the Negaunee Cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the Church Hall at Wesley United Methodist Church.


Pallbearers will be Gail's grandsons.