Alfred “Pelli” Nelson died peacefully at home on Monday, June 20, 2016 in the arms of his one true love, Marcia and his adoring daughter Amy. Pelli was born in Norway, Michigan on April 13, 1930, to Alfred and Myrtle (Hiller) Nelson. Pelli received his GED from Iron Mountain High School. Pelli joined the Navy at the age of 16 and was a member of the United States Naval Construction forces, known as the Seabees. Pelli was a retired forty-year member of Millwright Local 1056.
Pelli and Marcy enjoyed nearly 40 years together filled with love, happiness and laughter. Pelli loved unconditionally and deeply. He had a fantastic and witty sense of humor. He was the best at everything he did: union steward, beagler, coach, carpenter, welder, teacher, friend… but most of all he was a devoted and loving father.
Pelli is survived by Marcia (Marcy) Alsteen and their daughter Amy (Jesse) Ward. In addition to Marcy and Amy, Pelli is survived by his beloved son Roy of Iron Mountain, MI, and cherished grandsons Nicholas Nelson and Jack NelsonRobert Ward and his granddaughter Princess Grace Ward. Also, by son, Rick of Kingsford, Michigan and daughters Susan and Joy of California, Carrie Jo of Texas. Pelli is further survived by four grandsons and two granddaughters, sister Joan Norris of Kansas and many extended family members and friends.
Pelli was preceded in death by his parents, son, Nicholas Nelson and sister Bette Cousineau.
At Pelli’s request (direction) a private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Pelli’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jaspreet Ahuja, MD for his kindness, compassion and the comfort he provided to Pelli. We also gratefully acknowledge Amy Blaser and ICU nurse Cheng Hong for the exceptional care provided to Pelli and we are also so grateful to the wonderful staff from Unity Hospice for their kindness in assisting Pelli, Marcy and Amy in his final days.
Finally, we would like to express our lasting appreciation for Dr. James Jerczak who helped care for Pelli for over twenty-five years.
To those of you who met Pelli Nelson… you were lucky to have known him!