North Lake- Jack N. Nelson age 80 of 845 Patriot St. Ishpeming (North Lake) passed away under the loving care of his family on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Mather Nursing Center where he had been a resident since July 1, 2009.

Jack was born in Ishpeming on May 19, 1929 to Lena (Olson) and Nels Nelson. He attended local schools, graduating from National Mine High School in 1947. He worked that summer at the Cambria Jackson Mine. In September of 1947, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his three years but got extended a year when the Korean War broke out. He served that time on Barter Island, Alaska. Upon his return he was stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in September of 1951.

Following his discharge he worked for the Ishpeming Police Force. He went on to work for the Hercules Powder Co. for several years. He then was employed for McKee Construction at Republic, Empire and Pioneer properties. He then joined Cleveland Cliffs as a warehouse man for the next thirty three years, retiring in February 1994.

In his younger years, Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman, much of it with his sons and father in law. He loved going to camp on Casey Lake. He was a life time member of the Ishpeming ELKS Lodge, and the Bethel Lutheran Church and also a member of the Greenwood American Legion. He played in the Ishpeming Cribbage League for over forty years where he and his partner Bill Ernell won many trophies. He served a term on the Ishpeming Township School Board and was instrumental in the talks of forming the N.I.C.E. School District, and was proud that a son and two grandchildren went on to graduate from N.I.C.E.

Jack is survived by his wife of 56 years, whom he married on September 19, 1953 Dona (Carlson) Nelson. They settled in the North Lake Location, living there all of their marriage. He is also survived by three children Bradley (Roxanne) Nelson of Ishpeming, Faye (Brian) Joki of Ishpeming and Brian (Karen) Nelson of Marquette. He has four grandchildren, Jacqueline (Eric) Salonen, Jason Perrault, Kirsten Nelson and Eric Nelson and 1 great grandson Gabriel Salonen. He was proud of his family and enjoyed being with them. He kept a close relationship with former son in law Joe (Joanne) Perrault. He is also survived by his siblings: Irene (Bob) James, June Saari, Barbara (Don) Behm, Virginia (Bill) Shepard, Dudley (Zoe) Nelson and Bruce (Joan) Nelson, along with many special nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Bernice James.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00PM on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday at Bethel Lutheran Church from 4:00PM until the time of service at 6:00PM.

The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380 will conduct Military Honors for Jack at the Ishpeming Cemetery on Wednesday October 28, 2009 at 10:00am.

Jack's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where his guest book may be signed.