ISHPEMING, MI – Kenneth A. Nelson, age 75, of Ishpeming, passed away at his home on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Ken was born on December 27, 1950, in Ishpeming, to Alvin Nelson and Gail Annear. He attended Ishpeming High School and graduated in the class of 1969. It was during his high school years that Ken met his future wife Kay Evans at the high school dances. Ken and Kay would joke that Kay did all the chasing. After graduation Ken pursued further studies at Northern Michigan University, earning a bachelor’s degree with aspirations of becoming a teacher. However, destiny had other plans for him, and he soon found his true calling as a carpenter. He spent many years working for various companies, with Lakeland Construction being the longest tenure, where he earned the reputation of being the best house framer in the area. One of Ken’s favorite quotes was, “You can have it done quick, you can have it done right, or you can have it done cheap, but you can’t have all three”.

In the fall of 1970, Ken married Kay at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee. Together, they created a warm family home in Ishpeming, which Ken devoted countless hours renovating, taking the house all the way down to the studs and foundation. They had two sons, Brett and Gregg, who were their world. Family meant everything to Ken.

Ken’s personality was characterized by loyalty and wisdom. He possessed a heart of gold and loved his friends deeply, though he often expressed it quietly. His wisdom was imparted to his sons, teaching them the value of listening and understanding those around them. Ken enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including cutting down the family Christmas tree from their property up north, an annual tradition that brought joy to his family.

Ken was an avid outdoorsman who loved skiing, fishing, and hunting. He shared countless ski trips with his sons and close friends, and he cherished the winter days spent snowmobiling with Kay, complete with their well‑planned routes and meet‑ups. Wednesday nights were reserved for the Ishpeming Pool League, where he played for more than 40 years. He also enjoyed cribbage and was a longtime member of the Ishpeming Cribbage Leagues. In his later years, nothing meant more to Ken than the time he spent with his grandsons—watching them grow brought him immense joy. He and his family named their property up north, “Camp Life”, embodying the way he lived his life – close to nature and surrounded by loved ones.

Ken is survived by his sons, Brett (Brent) Nelson of New York City, NY, and Gregg (Jennie) Nelson of Sheboygan Falls, WI; his beloved grandchildren, Drew, Bryce, and Jake; a sister Pat Johnson of Negaunee; and his loving partner Janine Johns; along with several nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his loving wife of 39 years, Kay, who passed away in 2009; and his parents, Alvin Nelson and Gail Annear. His presence will be sorely missed, but the lessons he imparted and the love he shared will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Monday, March 2, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A full obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where friends and family are invited to leave notes of remembrance.