Ken Nelson, 72

Kenneth Ray Nelson, age 72, of Three Rivers, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Borgess Medical Center. He was born in Devils Lake, ND on December 30, 1944, a son of Thomas and Hazel (Myhre) Nelson. Ken graduated from Clearbrook Schools, Minnesota in 1963, and served in the U.S. Army from 1964-1967. He attended Hibbing Jr. College, and graduated from the Minnesota School of Business in 1971. He worked as a St, Joseph Co. court reporter since 1971, reporting for 44 different judges, retiring in 2006. Ken was an avid runner. He enjoyed singing and playing the guitar, volunteering at nursing homes, reading, gardening, and was a referee for over 11 years. He was a member of the Michigan Association of Professional Court Reporters, St. Joseph County FOP and Three Rivers Community Players.

He is survived by a daughter Jacqueline (Anthony) Bowen of Three Rivers, grandchildren Gabrielle and Kyzer, sister Lilah (Melvin) Churness of Clearbrook, MN, brother Arnold (Dee Lynn) Nelson of St. Paul, MN, and caretakers Jody Carpenter and Catherine Dobbs, Kalamazoo. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Judy Sendek, Irene Gregory, Lorine Knutson, and Doris Guber, and brother Ronald Nelson.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will take place Saturday, April 22 at 11:30 am, at First Presbyterian Church, Three Rivers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kenneth R. Nelson, Glen Oaks Scholarship. Arrangements were entrusted to Eley Funeral Homes, Centreville. Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.