Michael James Nelson

October 26, 1948-October 18, 2026

Michael James (Mike) Nelson, 77, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born in Kalamazoo on October 26, 1948. Mike is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sue Ellen (Haskell) Nelson; his son, Nathaniel Michael Nelson, Plainwell, MI; daughter, Stacey Lee Nelson, Seal Rock, Oregon, and his brother, Jerry (Sara) Nelson, Delton, MI. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo James Nelson; mother, Carmen Louise (Arnold) Nelson; brother, Steven Joseph Nelson, and great-grand niece, Kinnley Miranda.

Mike graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1967. He retired from a diverse career spanning 42 years as a graphic design artist and sales representative for Flashes Publishers, Vermulen Furniture, Kalamazoo Gazette, and the Shoppers' Guide. Mike loved jogging, collecting and listening to vinyl albums, and going to sporting and camping events with lifelong friends. He was a loving husband to his wife, and an equally loving father to his two children.

A memorial celebration of this remarkable man will be held at the Plainwell 1st United Methodist Church, 200 Park St., Plainwell, MI 49080, on Saturday October 31st, officiated by Rev. Amee Paparella. A time of visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., luncheon following in the church lounge. All areas are fully accessible. Ample parking is available at the rear of the church, as well as street-side.

In memory of his courageous journey through life, donations may be made to the following charities that he cared about:

FUMCP Hearing Assistance Fund https://www.plainwellfirstumc.org/giving

SPCA in Oshtemo, MI https://spcaswmich.org

Prostate Cancer Fund https: https://pcf.org

"THE HUMAN FUND" https://www.festivusweb.com/festivus-the-human-fund.php

(Proceeds from the "Human Fund" will be collected and distributed by FUMCP to worthy needy causes within the community.)

While visiting Mike’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080 (269-685-5881).