Ishpeming, MI- Kenneth E. Nelson, lifelong Ishpeming resident, passed away at the age of 88 on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of family members, staff at MCMCF, and Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.

Kenneth was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on May 3, 1935, to the late Walter E. and Edith D. (Johnson) Nelson. Ken graduated from Ishpeming High School, Class of 1953, and received his Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Education from Northern Michigan University.  Ken married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, on August 16, 1958.

Ken started his teaching career in Flint for one year prior to moving back to Ishpeming and teaching for 4 years in Gwinn.  Ken then taught for 25 years at the Ishpeming Public Schools, mainly at C.L. Phelps.   While teaching, Ken also coached high school golf, girls' varsity basketball, and 7th & 8th grade boys' basketball.  After retirement, Ken and his wife Nancy spent 23 winters in Corpus Christi, TX.

Ken enjoyed deer hunting and spending time at his son's hunting camp. He was an avid Hematite fan, who kept the official score book for boys' basketball games and the score clock at boys' high school football games for many years. Ken also enjoyed going to Lambeau Field for Packer games with his son. He was a member of the Ishpeming ELKS Lodge 447 and the Wawonowin Country Club.

One of Ken's passions in life was golf. He was a 7-time club champion at Wawonowin Country Club, and in 1995, he and his son, Mike, both won club championships on the same day. He won many other tournaments, best balls, and scrambles and recorded 6 holes in one, the last one at the age of 86. Ken was honored at the 2003 UP Men's Golf Championship at Wawonowin as their honoree.

Ken is survived by three children: son Michael (Mary) Nelson of Ishpeming and twin daughters, Kathy (Chris) Tipsword of Grand Blanc, MI and Karen (Walt) Reini of Croswell, MI; 5 grandchildren: Andrew and Brandon Reini, Meghan Tipsword, Joshua Tipsword, and Jordyn (Hunter) Stiff; and special friends Pat and Ralph Watters.  Ken was preceded in death by his parents and wife Nancy (Kuisti) Nelson.

Honoring Ken's wishes, a private service will be held at a later date.

Memorial considerations may be directed to the Ishpeming Booster Club or UPAWS in memory of Ken.

Ken's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.