- Date Of Death: September 1, 2007
- State: Michigan
John R. Nelson, 67, of Union Pier, Michigan, died on September 1, 2007, after a collision of his motorcycle with a van in Rolling Prairie, Indiana.A retired advertising executive, John established his presence in Union Pier in 1975, moving to the area in 1984. A true entrepreneur, John traded in real estate, was formerly a partner of the Red Arrow Roadhouse restaurant, and co-founded Lakeside Antiques with his lifetime partner of 29 years, Alan M. Nimmer.
Additionally, he was active with the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce and was a past member of the Board of Directors.John spent his early years in the Minneapolis area. After military service in the Army, John moved to Chicago, establishing his advertising career. It was during those years that he met his longtime friend, Thomas Cashman. With a desire to make his way on his own, he found great business opportunities in Michigan’s Harbor Country.
As a result, his many friends remember John as the person who helped them get their start in the area. John was a world-traveler, a risk taker, a wonderful piano player, a much adored family member, a dear friend to so many, and a true lover of life.John is survived by his partner, Alan Nimmer, his brother, Elston Nelson of Minnetonka, Minnesota, his three nephews: Mark Nelson and family of Minnetonka, Minnesota, Steve Nelson and family of Bloomington, Minnesota, and Tim Nelson and family of Grand Marais, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eunice and LeRoy Nelson, and his older brother, David B. Nelson.His family carried out John’s wish to be cremated.
