Verne L. Nelson, age 65, of 7432 Lake Bluff 19.4 Road, Gladstone, died Wednesday morning November 28, 2007 at the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

Verne was born February 10, 1942, in Chicago, the son of N. Lawrence and Gulli (Rybeck) Nelson. Verne was raised in Chicago until his 8th grade year, at which time, he and his family relocated to Perkins. Throughout his high school years, Verne participated in various sports, graduating from the Perkins High School in 1959. Following high school, Verne continued his education at Northern Michigan University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966.

On August 19, 1972, Verne was united in marriage to the former Barbara Farrell and together the couple made their home in Gladstone where they raised their two children.

Throughout his career, Verne taught government, civics, and history for the Perkins Public School System and later for the Mid-Peninsula Public School System. In addition, Verne coached basketball and track and served as the school Athletic Director for several years. He was honored as the Upper Peninsula Athletic Director of the 1997-1998 school year. Verne retired in 1998 and enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida with his wife Barbara.

Verne was a member of the Gladstone Masonic Lodge 396 F&AM, Gladstone Golf Club, Gladstone Lions Club and the Perkins Lions Club where he served as the club President. His hobbies included golfing, reading, running and traveling all over the country.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, survivors include:

Son: Erik (Maria) Nelson of Richland, MI

Daughter: Karin (Lionel Ramos) Nelson of Denver, CO

Brother: Roger A. Nelson of Kalamazoo, MI

5 grandchildren: Kirsten, Halle, Kara, Layla Nelson and Joshua Barclay

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

Verne was preceded in death by his parents, N. Lawrence and Gulli Nelson, nephew, Gregory Brusoe and brother-in-law, Wayne Marmalick.

Masonic services, conducted by the Gladstone Masonic Lodge #396 F&AM, will be held on Sunday, at 2:00 PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Verne’s family will receive friends, on Sunday, from 2:15PM to 5:30PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial services celebrating the life of Verne L. Nelson will follow visitation, at 6:00 PM, at the All Saints Church, with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Church Parish Hall. Burial will be in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Memorial contributions in memory of Verne may be directed to the Mid-Peninsula Public Schools/Athletic Department, Gladstone Public Library or the All Saints Church Elevator Fund. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home or at the All Saints Church. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Nelson family with arrangements.