Raymond Gerald Nelson

He was born on August 22, 1938, the son of the late Elwood and Mary (Tapani) Nelson.

Raymond worked the majority of his career with the local mining companies. Following his mining career, Ray then went to work for McClain State Park for several years, at D & N Bank, and at Faith Lutheran Church.

He loved spending time in the outdoors. You could always see Ray fishing and hunting, and sitting out in his yard relaxing with a cup of coffee and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He married Rose Marie Balcom on May 28, 1960, in Hancock.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Rose; his parents, Elwood and Mary; and 2 brothers, Carl Nelson and Gordy Nelson.

He is survived by his six children, David (Suzi) Nelson of Texas, Michael (Cathy) Nelson of Texas, Tammy (William) Such of North Dakota, James (Michelle) Nelson of Lake Linden, Julie (Richard) Baccus of Lake Linden, Vicki (Dennis) Gravedoni of Missouri; eight grandchildren: Angela and Brandon Miller, Donovan (Sarah) Burich, Alicia (Jesse) Caron, Andrew Gill, Adam (Clara) Gill, Nicole and Audrey Gravedoni; two great grandchildren, Kailey Butkovich & McKenna Burich, and Baby Burich & Baby Gill on the way; one brother, William (Donna) Nelson of Ahmeek; two sisters-in-laws, Mary Nelson of Indiana, Sherry (Ken) Nordstrom of Fulton, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family wishes to thank the Houghton County Medical Care Facility third floor staff for the care they have given Raymond for the past four and a half years. Also they would like to thank Dr. Tom McConnon, Melissa Salani P.A., and Dr. Todd Anderson.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at the Siskiwit Hall, 26070 Pine Street, Calumet, Michigan from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Online condolences for the family may be left at ericksoncrowleypeterson .com

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.