Kenneth E. Nelson, age 79 of Bear Lake, passed away in the comfort of his home with his wife and daughters by his side on Sunday evening, November 3, 2024.

Born June 19, 1945, in Frankfort, Michigan, Ken was the son of the late Harlan and Betty (Short) Nelson. He attended Bear Lake Schools, graduating in 1963. Ken then went on to complete the Ironworker Apprenticeship Program in 1968.

Ken married the love of his life, Alyce Ware, on January 29, 1966, at the United Methodist Church in Bear Lake.

"Kenny" was a proud Union Ironworker who had the privilege of working alongside his dad, "Tiny", brother, "Ronnie", and nephew, Shawn, who were all members of Ironworkers Local 340/25. He retired in 1997 and had just received his 60-year pin as a member in good standing.

In his retirement, he worked at Heathlands, Arcadia Bluffs, and Bear Lake Highlands golf courses. He often commented on how mowing fairways in the early mornings gave him the opportunity to start his day in some of the most beautiful places.

Ken was an enthusiastic and enduring Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions fan. He also loved Bear Lake High School Sports. He played basketball all through high school and competed as a pole vaulter for the Lakers at the nation's largest high school track meet held at CMU in 1962.

Ken took Alyce on their first date to a basketball game between rivals Onekama and Brethren and from then on, they spent many hours supporting local sports, attending over 1000 High School events together.

He shared his love for the outdoors with all his family. Together they went fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling, boating, four wheeling, and their family favorite, picnicking in the woods with a ring of bologna and chunk of cheese on the tailgate of a pickup truck.

He had an amazing memory when it came to life events of the past. He told stories about all of his family members and was eager to talk about his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren whenever he got a chance. As good storytellers do, he sometimes added a hint of exaggeration and always had a sparkle in his eyes.

All week long he looked forward to Sunday dinners when his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren would sit around the table and talk about their week's accomplishments and adventures.

Christmas Eve was his favorite night of the entire year. He thoroughly enjoyed the traditions of eating oyster stew, opening gifts, playing games, and telling stories with his family.

Ken was big hearted and had a great sense of humor. He was a loving and devoted husband, generous girl dad, and positively proud grandpa. Even in his final days, Ken was able to make his family smile and laugh at his comical quick wit.

Ken is survived by his wife of 58 years, Alyce; daughters Lisa (Steve) Kennedy of Manistee and Karen (Tim) Babcock of Arcadia; grandson Curtis Kennedy of Manistee; granddaughters Sara (Mike) Martinez of New Mexico and Kelly (Max) Babcock of Haslett; brother Ron (Linda) Nelson; sisters Joyce (Earl) Ware and Diane (Jon) Keillor; sisters and brothers-in-law Ruth Clements, Lois (LaVern) Harthun, and Laura (Roger) McBride; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Art and Irene Ware, brother-in-law Bert Clements, his niece Rhonda Harthun, his nephew Patrick Frain, and his great-nephew Gabe Acker.

A Celebration of Life for Ken will be held on Wednesday November 13, 2024, at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee with a brief service to begin at 4:00 PM and a visitation to follow from 4:30 PM until 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken's name to the Bear Lake Community Food Pantry or the Bear Lake Athletic Boosters at Bear Lake Schools.

Please visit www.oakgrovefh.com to share a photo, memory, or condolences with Ken's family. Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee is honored to assist the family during this difficult time.