John J. Nelson

Nelson, John J.
of Portage, Michigan Went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 10, 2012. Age 67 years. John was born on July 17, 1945, the son of the late Labin and Hazel Nelson. He was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo. John retired from Meijer in 1992 after 30 years of service. He was also a survivor of ALS for 19 years and participated with Southwest Michigan ALS Support Group. Before his illness, John was a very active volunteer in his community. John attended Lexington Green Christian Reformed Church, where he became a Deacon of the church. Later, John joined Milwood Christian Reformed Church, where he was loved and will be greatly missed by his many friends and church family. John is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Coleen Nelson. John and Coleen were married on July 20, 1968. He is also survived by two sons, Jon Marti Nelson of Hudsonville, MI and Daryl Billie Nelson of Chandler, AZ; and his mother-in-law, Mary M. Sharpsteen. He was preceded in death by one brother, Michael Nelson; two sisters, Marilyn Longcore and Annette Maccomber; and his father-in-law, Delbert Sharpsteen. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 17, 2012 at Milwood Christian Reformed Church, 3306 Lovers Lane. Rev. Loren Kotman will officiate with interment in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the ALS Association or Hospice of Southwest Michigan.