Roy Eric “Pelli” Nelson

Roy was born in Iron Mountain on July 22, 1959, to Alfred “Pelli” and Marjorie (Theisen) Nelson. He was a graduate of Iron Mountain High School, Class of ’77, where he earned many accolades as a state championship wrestler. Following graduation, Roy worked as a millwright for a few years before moving down to Texas to work on the oil rigs. Then he traveled around the United States for a few years and met the mother of his son, Doris Brey, in Spokane, Wash. Roy returned to his education, graduating magna/summa cum laude from Eastern Washington University. After returning to Michigan, Roy ran Knewright Construction for 20 years and ultimately worked on weatherization for the state.

He was an active and very handy member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Roy loved everything and anything to do with athletics. He loved playing, coaching and spectating. Coaching little league and watching the Packers may have been his favorites. As a master beagler, two of Roy’s mountaineer bloodlines were received in the hall of fame. He also enjoyed delving into history and politics and had a talent for woodworking.

Roy will be deeply missed by his son, Nicholas (Aiyana) Nelson; three daughters, Malenda (Michael) Smith, Larenda (Kyle) Schuberg and Christina (Matt) Argall; mother, Marge (Theisen) Nelson; siblings, Susan (Steve) Higgins, Joy (Montee) Skorich and Carrie Jo Mellinger; nieces and nephews, Hillary (Doug) Naeve, Hunter Higgins, Adam (Amy) Nelson, Ashley Nelson, Blake Skorich and Cory (Britney) Mellinger; sister-in-law, Robyn Nelson; and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred P. Nelson; brothers, Nicholas W. Nelson and Ricky A. Nelson; and nephew, Rory “Surf” Mellinger.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1210 S. Stephenson Ave., with Rev. Bryan Laurila officiating the funeral service at 11 a.m.

Burial will be in Norway Township Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Nelson, Eddy Theisen, John Sailor, Brian LaVigne, Torvin Theisen and Cory Mellinger.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Roy Eric Nelson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.