Michael A. Nelson

Michael A. Nelson, 63 of Michigan, ND passed away on Friday, May 25, 2018 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Funeral Services for Michael will be held on Friday, June 1, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at River of Life, Assembly of God Church, Devils Lake, ND with Pastor Vondell Brandt and Pastor Tiffany Retzlaff officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team-Navy.

Michael Alf, son of Alf and Ruth (Lawrence) Nelson was born on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1955 at Maddock, ND. The family lived on several farms in the Maddock, Sykeston and Carrington areas.  His Father died when Michael was 9 years old.  Michael began his education at Sykeston Public School. 

At age 17, Michael enlisted in the United State Navy in 1972. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam Era and again with Desert Storm.  He had a 21 year career with the Navy.  He was stationed in Naples, Italy, Guam, Morocco, Diego Garcia and his last duty station was in Little Creek, Virginia, where he retired in 1993 with the rank of EMC, (Electricians Mate Chief/Radio Communications). Michael then served with the Fleet Reserve until 2003.  Michael’s duties included time aboard the USS Kansas City and also as the Operations Chief of the USS Recovery.

Along with obtaining his GED, Michael had special training in Communications. He served as a Navel Communications Processing and Computer Center Specialist and Company Commander, Drill Sargent and Recruit Instructor.

Michael didn’t stay idle very long. After retiring from the Navy, he was employed at Gateway, worked as a farm laborer and at Frost Fire.  He also was employed in Devils Lake as a 911 Dispatcher and Allen’s Auto Sales.  After moving, he worked at the Michigan Cenex. 

When he took time to relax, you would find Michael playing guitar, shooting a round of golf or enjoying time with his canine buddies and his family.

Michael had many loves in his life, but the one blessing of each marriage were his children. He and Phyllis Dodril were the proud parents of Benjamin.  His time with Cheri Truax brought Brittany into his life.  To his union with Kathleen Nelson, Stephanie, Samantha, Amanda and Daniel were born. 

Michael loving family included his 6 children and 8 grandchildren; Benjamin (Stephanie) Nelson and their children Sarah, Kiarra and Noah; Brittany (Nick) Schutt and their child Asher; Stephanie Nelson who died in 2011 and her son Gavin who survives and her daughter Allanie who passed away; Samantha (Colton Wangler) Nelson and their children Lexy and Hunter; Amanda Nelson and Daniel Nelson; brother Roger (Diane) Nelson, Jamestown, ND; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Stephanie; grandchild Allanie and sister Gloria (Hank) Schaack.