LANGELAND FUNERAL HOME∼Edwin Andrew Nelson was born June 30th, 1933 to Leah and Victor Nelson. His life was enriched when his sister Phyllis was born 4 years later.
Edwin met the love of his life, Gayanne Miller, while attending the youth group at Zion Lutheran Church. He joined the Army in 1953, rising to the rank of Sergeant, Infantry Operations and Intelligence Specialist. While in the service, he and Gayanne married June 26th, 1955. He was honorably discharged in February of 1956, just in time for the Nelson Girls to start making their arrival. His family grew quickly with Sharon in March of 1956, Cathy in 1958, Luanne in 1960, and Barbara in 1964. He was often teased about being the only male in a household of women, but he loved his wife and his girls dearly.
He was very happy to walk his four girls down the aisle and welcome son-in-laws to his family - he was no longer outnumbered! Dick Moyle, Michael McGuire, Steve Curry, and Dan DeRosa added much joy and laughter to his life. His family expanded again when the grandchildren started arriving. He was thrilled when he was blessed with Dan (Sonya) and Doug Moyle, Kevin (Amira), Cameron (Lindsey), and Kelly McGuire, Lance (Emily), Rebecca, and Andrew Curry, and Liam DeRosa. Each grandchild had their own special bond with their Pa. Eventually, the grandchildren added more joy to his heart when the great grandchildren arrived. Ava, Zoey, Owen, Addison, and Annabelle all loved their Great Pa, and were each treasured by him.
Edwin was hired at Upjohn in February of 1956 and stayed employed there his whole career. He quickly rose through the company, retiring in 1992 as an International Forecaster. He loved his work, the rhubarb pie at the cafeteria, and the many lifelong friends he made while working.
Singing was an important part of Edwin's life. He sang in his church choirs, he sang solos at church, weddings, and funerals, and he spent many years singing in the Kalamazoo Bach Chorus. He called and sang to every family member for their birthday, as well as many special friends. His voice gave joy, hope, and comfort to many, many people.
After retirement, Ed and Gayanne spent time doing what they loved. They volunteered at Borgess Hospital and with the Red Cross. Ed loved to take his sailboat out on the lake either alone or with one of his grandkids. He and Gayanne took many trips. Cruises with his sister Phyllis and her husband Don and dear friends, cross country trips by train, but the highlight was their trip to the Holy Lands. Ed took particular joy in following his Lords path.
The center of Edwin's life was always his faith. It was his honor and his pleasure to serve his Lord in church and in his life. He started at Zion Lutheran in Kalamazoo, MI where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, congregation Elder, President of the congregation, choir member and soloist. He took charge of Zion's famous sauerkraut suppers several years, recruiting his wife and daughters as cooks, servers, and clean up staff! The church was his home away from home, and the people there were family. When he and Gayanne decided that winters weren't fun anymore, they moved to Fairfield Glade, Tennessee where they joined Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. He again joined the choir and sang solos, and participated in any group or committee that needed him, including their neighborhood association. He made many friends there. The third phase of their lives came when they moved to Columbia, South Carolina to live with Luanne and Steve. They joined Mount Olive Lutheran Church there, where he remained a member after his beloved Gayanne died in December of 2017. He joined the choir and sang solos, he enjoyed his health gym, his adult beverage, and "his" dog Noah, until the pandemic changed everything. He planned on going back to his activities and continuing to raise his voice in joyful songs of praise up to his death. In every test of life, he prayerfully put his trust in the Lord, and the details in his girl's hands. He loved with all his heart, and he was loved even more.
Edwin Nelson went home to his Lord January 30, 2021. He will have a private family service and be interred with Gayanne at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Edwin met the love of his life, Gayanne Miller, while attending the youth group at Zion Lutheran Church. He joined the Army in 1953, rising to the rank of Sergeant, Infantry Operations and Intelligence Specialist. While in the service, he and Gayanne married June 26th, 1955. He was honorably discharged in February of 1956, just in time for the Nelson Girls to start making their arrival. His family grew quickly with Sharon in March of 1956, Cathy in 1958, Luanne in 1960, and Barbara in 1964. He was often teased about being the only male in a household of women, but he loved his wife and his girls dearly.
He was very happy to walk his four girls down the aisle and welcome son-in-laws to his family - he was no longer outnumbered! Dick Moyle, Michael McGuire, Steve Curry, and Dan DeRosa added much joy and laughter to his life. His family expanded again when the grandchildren started arriving. He was thrilled when he was blessed with Dan (Sonya) and Doug Moyle, Kevin (Amira), Cameron (Lindsey), and Kelly McGuire, Lance (Emily), Rebecca, and Andrew Curry, and Liam DeRosa. Each grandchild had their own special bond with their Pa. Eventually, the grandchildren added more joy to his heart when the great grandchildren arrived. Ava, Zoey, Owen, Addison, and Annabelle all loved their Great Pa, and were each treasured by him.
Edwin was hired at Upjohn in February of 1956 and stayed employed there his whole career. He quickly rose through the company, retiring in 1992 as an International Forecaster. He loved his work, the rhubarb pie at the cafeteria, and the many lifelong friends he made while working.
Singing was an important part of Edwin's life. He sang in his church choirs, he sang solos at church, weddings, and funerals, and he spent many years singing in the Kalamazoo Bach Chorus. He called and sang to every family member for their birthday, as well as many special friends. His voice gave joy, hope, and comfort to many, many people.
After retirement, Ed and Gayanne spent time doing what they loved. They volunteered at Borgess Hospital and with the Red Cross. Ed loved to take his sailboat out on the lake either alone or with one of his grandkids. He and Gayanne took many trips. Cruises with his sister Phyllis and her husband Don and dear friends, cross country trips by train, but the highlight was their trip to the Holy Lands. Ed took particular joy in following his Lords path.
The center of Edwin's life was always his faith. It was his honor and his pleasure to serve his Lord in church and in his life. He started at Zion Lutheran in Kalamazoo, MI where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, congregation Elder, President of the congregation, choir member and soloist. He took charge of Zion's famous sauerkraut suppers several years, recruiting his wife and daughters as cooks, servers, and clean up staff! The church was his home away from home, and the people there were family. When he and Gayanne decided that winters weren't fun anymore, they moved to Fairfield Glade, Tennessee where they joined Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. He again joined the choir and sang solos, and participated in any group or committee that needed him, including their neighborhood association. He made many friends there. The third phase of their lives came when they moved to Columbia, South Carolina to live with Luanne and Steve. They joined Mount Olive Lutheran Church there, where he remained a member after his beloved Gayanne died in December of 2017. He joined the choir and sang solos, he enjoyed his health gym, his adult beverage, and "his" dog Noah, until the pandemic changed everything. He planned on going back to his activities and continuing to raise his voice in joyful songs of praise up to his death. In every test of life, he prayerfully put his trust in the Lord, and the details in his girl's hands. He loved with all his heart, and he was loved even more.
Edwin Nelson went home to his Lord January 30, 2021. He will have a private family service and be interred with Gayanne at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
LANGELAND FUNERAL HOME∼Edwin Andrew Nelson was born June 30th, 1933 to Leah and Victor Nelson. His life was enriched when his sister Phyllis was born 4 years later.
Edwin met the love of his life, Gayanne Miller, while attending the youth group at Zion Lutheran Church. He joined the Army in 1953, rising to the rank of Sergeant, Infantry Operations and Intelligence Specialist. While in the service, he and Gayanne married June 26th, 1955. He was honorably discharged in February of 1956, just in time for the Nelson Girls to start making their arrival. His family grew quickly with Sharon in March of 1956, Cathy in 1958, Luanne in 1960, and Barbara in 1964. He was often teased about being the only male in a household of women, but he loved his wife and his girls dearly.
He was very happy to walk his four girls down the aisle and welcome son-in-laws to his family - he was no longer outnumbered! Dick Moyle, Michael McGuire, Steve Curry, and Dan DeRosa added much joy and laughter to his life. His family expanded again when the grandchildren started arriving. He was thrilled when he was blessed with Dan (Sonya) and Doug Moyle, Kevin (Amira), Cameron (Lindsey), and Kelly McGuire, Lance (Emily), Rebecca, and Andrew Curry, and Liam DeRosa. Each grandchild had their own special bond with their Pa. Eventually, the grandchildren added more joy to his heart when the great grandchildren arrived. Ava, Zoey, Owen, Addison, and Annabelle all loved their Great Pa, and were each treasured by him.
Edwin was hired at Upjohn in February of 1956 and stayed employed there his whole career. He quickly rose through the company, retiring in 1992 as an International Forecaster. He loved his work, the rhubarb pie at the cafeteria, and the many lifelong friends he made while working.
Singing was an important part of Edwin's life. He sang in his church choirs, he sang solos at church, weddings, and funerals, and he spent many years singing in the Kalamazoo Bach Chorus. He called and sang to every family member for their birthday, as well as many special friends. His voice gave joy, hope, and comfort to many, many people.
After retirement, Ed and Gayanne spent time doing what they loved. They volunteered at Borgess Hospital and with the Red Cross. Ed loved to take his sailboat out on the lake either alone or with one of his grandkids. He and Gayanne took many trips. Cruises with his sister Phyllis and her husband Don and dear friends, cross country trips by train, but the highlight was their trip to the Holy Lands. Ed took particular joy in following his Lords path.
The center of Edwin's life was always his faith. It was his honor and his pleasure to serve his Lord in church and in his life. He started at Zion Lutheran in Kalamazoo, MI where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, congregation Elder, President of the congregation, choir member and soloist. He took charge of Zion's famous sauerkraut suppers several years, recruiting his wife and daughters as cooks, servers, and clean up staff! The church was his home away from home, and the people there were family. When he and Gayanne decided that winters weren't fun anymore, they moved to Fairfield Glade, Tennessee where they joined Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. He again joined the choir and sang solos, and participated in any group or committee that needed him, including their neighborhood association. He made many friends there. The third phase of their lives came when they moved to Columbia, South Carolina to live with Luanne and Steve. They joined Mount Olive Lutheran Church there, where he remained a member after his beloved Gayanne died in December of 2017. He joined the choir and sang solos, he enjoyed his health gym, his adult beverage, and "his" dog Noah, until the pandemic changed everything. He planned on going back to his activities and continuing to raise his voice in joyful songs of praise up to his death. In every test of life, he prayerfully put his trust in the Lord, and the details in his girl's hands. He loved with all his heart, and he was loved even more.
Edwin Nelson went home to his Lord January 30, 2021. He will have a private family service and be interred with Gayanne at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Edwin met the love of his life, Gayanne Miller, while attending the youth group at Zion Lutheran Church. He joined the Army in 1953, rising to the rank of Sergeant, Infantry Operations and Intelligence Specialist. While in the service, he and Gayanne married June 26th, 1955. He was honorably discharged in February of 1956, just in time for the Nelson Girls to start making their arrival. His family grew quickly with Sharon in March of 1956, Cathy in 1958, Luanne in 1960, and Barbara in 1964. He was often teased about being the only male in a household of women, but he loved his wife and his girls dearly.
He was very happy to walk his four girls down the aisle and welcome son-in-laws to his family - he was no longer outnumbered! Dick Moyle, Michael McGuire, Steve Curry, and Dan DeRosa added much joy and laughter to his life. His family expanded again when the grandchildren started arriving. He was thrilled when he was blessed with Dan (Sonya) and Doug Moyle, Kevin (Amira), Cameron (Lindsey), and Kelly McGuire, Lance (Emily), Rebecca, and Andrew Curry, and Liam DeRosa. Each grandchild had their own special bond with their Pa. Eventually, the grandchildren added more joy to his heart when the great grandchildren arrived. Ava, Zoey, Owen, Addison, and Annabelle all loved their Great Pa, and were each treasured by him.
Edwin was hired at Upjohn in February of 1956 and stayed employed there his whole career. He quickly rose through the company, retiring in 1992 as an International Forecaster. He loved his work, the rhubarb pie at the cafeteria, and the many lifelong friends he made while working.
Singing was an important part of Edwin's life. He sang in his church choirs, he sang solos at church, weddings, and funerals, and he spent many years singing in the Kalamazoo Bach Chorus. He called and sang to every family member for their birthday, as well as many special friends. His voice gave joy, hope, and comfort to many, many people.
After retirement, Ed and Gayanne spent time doing what they loved. They volunteered at Borgess Hospital and with the Red Cross. Ed loved to take his sailboat out on the lake either alone or with one of his grandkids. He and Gayanne took many trips. Cruises with his sister Phyllis and her husband Don and dear friends, cross country trips by train, but the highlight was their trip to the Holy Lands. Ed took particular joy in following his Lords path.
The center of Edwin's life was always his faith. It was his honor and his pleasure to serve his Lord in church and in his life. He started at Zion Lutheran in Kalamazoo, MI where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, congregation Elder, President of the congregation, choir member and soloist. He took charge of Zion's famous sauerkraut suppers several years, recruiting his wife and daughters as cooks, servers, and clean up staff! The church was his home away from home, and the people there were family. When he and Gayanne decided that winters weren't fun anymore, they moved to Fairfield Glade, Tennessee where they joined Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. He again joined the choir and sang solos, and participated in any group or committee that needed him, including their neighborhood association. He made many friends there. The third phase of their lives came when they moved to Columbia, South Carolina to live with Luanne and Steve. They joined Mount Olive Lutheran Church there, where he remained a member after his beloved Gayanne died in December of 2017. He joined the choir and sang solos, he enjoyed his health gym, his adult beverage, and "his" dog Noah, until the pandemic changed everything. He planned on going back to his activities and continuing to raise his voice in joyful songs of praise up to his death. In every test of life, he prayerfully put his trust in the Lord, and the details in his girl's hands. He loved with all his heart, and he was loved even more.
Edwin Nelson went home to his Lord January 30, 2021. He will have a private family service and be interred with Gayanne at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
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Interment 02/12/2021
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