Daniel Wesley Nelson

Daniel Wesley Nelson, 59, of Battle Creek died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.

Dan was born March 25, 1957 in Battle Creek, Michigan to L.G. and Betty L. (Wertz) Nelson. He grew up in Battle Creek through 5th grade and moved with his family to Marion, Indiana and then to Pekin, IL. Dan was a 1975 graduate of Pekin High School in Pekin, IL; attended Kellogg Community College, received his Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University and his Master's Degree in Social Psychology. Dan was employed in Lansing and Okemos in Community Mental Health and Addiction Counseling. He retired from Kellogg Community College after 10 years as an adjunct professor.

Surviving are his daughter, Casey Nelson; his parents, L.G. and Betty Nelson; and companion and partner of 12 years, Joyce Bales all of Battle Creek; his sister, Paula K. Nelson; niece, Samantha (Wes) Thayer and nephew, Jonathan Drogue all of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Dan was Teacher of the Year at Kellogg Community College in 2010. Dan grew up fishing, playing hockey and reading, which he enjoyed throughout life. One of his favorite authors was Stephen King. Dan loved music and nature walks, especially The Porcupine Mountains, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and that genre of music. He enjoyed writing and cats. Dan will be remembered as a very loving and caring man.

Friends are invited to celebrate Daniel's life by stopping in between 12:00 noon & 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the Battle Creek Masonic Temple, 133 East Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014, where nourishment, encouragement and memories will be shared.

Memorial contributions in memory of Daniel may be made to Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015 or Vets Helping Vets, C/o American Legion Post #298, 228 North 20th St., Springfield, MI 49037. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.