Wayne H. Nelson

Wayne H. Nelson, 71, of Richland, MI, died on Good Friday.

Wayne was born to the late Marian and Howard Nelson, March 10, 1943, in Greenville, Michigan. Wayne graduated from Greenville High School in 1961 and joined the Navy, where he served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1966. After the Navy, he attended Western Michigan University. He married Patricia Lynne Morat in 1966 and lived in Michigan most of their marriage except for a wonderful seven years on the Mississippi River in Sartell, Minnesota.

Wayne was in the boating industry most of his life following in his father's footsteps. In 1982, he bought Boat City Marine in Portage, Michigan and continued his love of selling boats and bantering with both his customers and suppliers through summer 2013. His son Kris has now taken over the family business.

Wayne loved spending time with his dear family and friends, boating, traveling the United States in his motor home, and relaxing at the family cottage at Silver Lake.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Nelson of Richland Michigan; daughter, Marilee (Andrew) Ambro of Greensboro, North Carolina; son, Kristian (Laurie) Nelson of Richland, Michigan; daughter, Katherine (Simon) Brinklow of Geneva, Illinois. He is also survived by his four grandchildren Joseph, MariKatherine, William and Margaret who were the joy of his life.

The family is requesting donations be made to the Michigan ALS Association 678 Front Ave. NW Suite 177, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

The visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m and on Tuesday until 1:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89), Richland, MI. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 9800 East BC Avenue, Richland. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.