Obituaries

Dale Edward Nelson, age 84, of St. Ignace, Michigan, passed away on August 27, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on April 29, 1941, at his family home in St. Ignace, to Kenneth and Helen (Szymanski) Nelson.

Dale spent his whole life in St. Ignace, graduating from LaSalle High School with the class of 1959. He worked for McGregor Oil for twenty-five years and then went on to work for the Michigan Department of Transportation, where he retired after twenty years. Dale was also the St. Ignace Township Supervisor and Assessor for thirty-five years and concurrently worked for Garfield and Hudson Townships as well.

A man of quiet strength and faith, Dale lived each day with gratitude and grace. He was a longtime member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church. His love for his family was the foundation of his life, and he modeled compassion, patience, and integrity in all he did. He was also a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge #999.

Throughout his life, Dale loved to hunt and fish. He truly loved the outdoors spending a lot of time at the cabin and the lake property around bonfires with the family. He spent many years enjoying playing darts, participating in a bowling league and cross-country skiing. Later in life, he enjoyed attending the sporting events of his granddaughters and Friday nights consisted of date nights with close friends. One thing we all know…Hands off his banana bread from Linda!

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Dale is survived by the love of his life since their early teens, Dawn Nelson, they shared sixty-four years married and seventy years together. This is a union marked by love, faith, and support. Together, they built a strong and faithful family.

Dale is also survived by his son, Alan (Angela) Nelson of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Staci Jo Nelson of St. Ignace; son, Nicholas Nelson of St. Ignace; he was a proud and loving Papa to Chelsey (Kody) King of Moran, Michigan, Abigail (Laura) Kubicki of San Antonio, Texas, and Brooklyn (Patric) Schlehuber of St. Ignace; he was blessed with five cherished great-grandchildren, Kynslie and Kashtyn King, and Everett, Otto, and Beckett Schlehuber. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Rochelle Nelson; sister-in-law, Judy Midyett; brother-in-law, Walter Miller; and many nieces and nephews that cherished him dearly.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Helen; brother, Leonard “Ducky” Nelson; and in-laws, Walter and Edna Miller.

Dale will be remembered for his warm smile, his gentle spirit, his friendly banter with those he loved, and the way he made everyone feel welcome. His legacy of faith, kindness, and dedication lives on in the generations he helped guide and nurture.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 120 Church St, St Ignace, MI 49781. Mass will begin at 12:00 P.M. with a burial to follow at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Moose Lodge #999 in Dale’s honor, 2999 Mackinac Trail, St. Ignace, MI, 49781.

Family Life Funeral Home – St. Ignace is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.familylifefh.com.