L'ANSE - Martin K. Nelson, age 66, of L'Anse, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2010, in Rochester, Minn.
Martin was born January 1, 1944, in Albert Lea, Minn., son of Alvin and Connie (Gilmore) Nelson. He graduated from West High School in Madison, Wis., then went to the University of Wisconsin, the University of Minnesota, and received a master's Degree from Michigan State University in forestry.
Martin was an artillery officer in the U.S. Army from 1967-1969.
He married the former Ann Rahilly on October 6, 1973 in Newberry..
Martin was a forester for the Department of Natural Resources, working out of the Newberry, Houghton Lake, Lansing, and Baraga offices. He spent the last 25 years of his career in Baraga, retiring in 2005.
He was a member of the Society of American Foresters.
He was an active member of Sacred Heart Church of L'Anse, a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society in L'Anse, a member of the Copper Island Ski Club, and served on the Sacred Heart School Board of Education.
He enjoyed woodworking and made the trophies for the Great Bear Chase ski race for many years. He also built two sailboats, three kayaks, a canoe and many other woodworking projects. He enjoyed cross country skiing, sailing, bike riding, and was "Mr. Fix it." He loved spending time at the family cottage on Round Lake.
Surviving are his wife Ann Nelson of L'Anse; father, Alvin Nelson of Phillips, Wis.; children, Karen (David) La Cross of Lake Linden, Daniel (Jennifer) Nelson of Holt, Mich., Laura (Matt) Smylie of Berkley, Mich., and Michael Nelson of Marquette; two granddaughters, Taylor Nelson and Lucy La Cross; twin brother, David (Anita Foss) Nelson of Rhinelander, Wis.; nieces, Valerie (Charlie) Anderson of Blaine, Minn., Christine (Jason Klaus) Nelson of Portland, Ore.; two grand nieces, Emily Anderson and Quinn Klaus; in-laws, Kathy (David) Wheeler, Peter (Lori) Rahilly, Jean Rahilly and Tom (Jeri Sue) Rahilly all of Newberry.
Preceding him in death were his mother, Connie Nelson; and sister-in-law, Linda Nelson, both in 2004.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home with a Rosary service at 7 p.m. led by Deacon John Cadeau. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 12, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Fr. John Longbucco will officiate.
Burial will be in the spring in the Newberry Cemetery.
The Jacobson Funeral Home in L'Anse is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Martin's guestbook or send condolences at jacobsonfuneralhome.com.