Duane Nelson

NELSON, Duane "Swede"
Of Kalamazoo, Michigan Duane passed away suddenly Wednesday morning, April 22, 2009 at his home. He was born November 12, 1932 in Cadillac, MI, one of nine children to Ragnar Albert and Izetta May Powell Nelson. Duane was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean Conflict. On June 2, 1956, he was united in marriage to Shirley Schrock in Avondale, MI. Swede was employed by Kalamazoo Public Schools for 22 years, until his retirement in 1995. Duane attended Northeastern Baptist Church, and was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed reading. Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Shirley Nelson; 3 daughters, Kathleen Kerry I. Conklin of Portage, Cheryl Michael C. Dudash of Davison, and Lori Nelson of Kalamazoo; 6 grandchildren, Michael N. Dudash, Alexander Dudash, Kerry L. Kim Conklin, Michael Conklin, and Erik Conklin; 4 great-grandchildren, Franklin, Jessica, Dont'e, and Kailey; 1 brother, Buck Louise Nelson of Stockholm, Sweden; 1 sister, Debbie Nelson of Dimondale, MI; 2 sisters-in-law, June Nelson and Rozella Jim Squires; 2 brothers-in-law, Clyde Harris and Dennis Sue Schrock; numerous nieces and nephews; and several close friends. Preceding him in death were his parents; 2 brothers, Kenneth and Norman Nelson; and 4 sisters, S. Joan Kunkel, Betty Harris, Cindy Leader, and Nana Lou Nelson. Funeral services for Duane will be at 11:00 AM on Monday at Northeastern Baptist Church, 6536 E. G Avenue, with Pastor Greg Bishop and Pastor Nathan Pierpont officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2-5 PM on Sunday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Northeastern Baptist Church - Building Fund, or Borgess Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign Duane's online guestbook or leave a condolence to the family.