WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Meryl Leon Nelson, age 91, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, July 5, 2025, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. He was born on September 1, 1933, in Sturgis, the son of the late Roy and Marjorie (Combs) Nelson.
A lifelong resident of Sturgis, Meryl graduated from Sturgis High School with the Class of 1951. On September 24, 1955, he married Laura Mae Heltzel at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis, and together they shared nearly 70 devoted years of marriage.
Meryl served his country with honor in the United States Navy during the Korean War, earning the rank of Engineman Third Class. He was awarded the European Occupation Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. A deeply meaningful moment in his later years was his 2016 trip to Washington, D.C., with fellow veterans aboard the Talons Out Honor Flight.
He began his working life at Harvey Paper Company and G.M. Litho in Sturgis before accepting a position with General Motors in Three Rivers, where he worked until his retirement. In retirement, Meryl remained active, working at the Sturgis Journal and Cottin’s Hardware.
Meryl had a deep love of the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was also known for his enthusiasm for Bingo and his unwavering loyalty to his favorite Detroit sports teams—the Tigers, Pistons, and Lions. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family and found great joy in being surrounded by those he loved.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Thurston Woods Village and staff and Three River Health Hospice for the loving care Meryl received.
Meryl is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Laura Mae; his daughter, Sherrie Clock and her husband Joe of Sturgis; his son, Terry Nelson and his wife Debra, also of Sturgis; his grandchildren, Jason Tuttle of Schoolcraft, Andrea Gaff and her husband Adam of Sturgis, Amy Bills and her husband Jake of Gobles, and Michaela Sears of Holland; and his great-grandchildren, Kristian, Braylin, Maecy, Jordan, Kaleb, Vada, and Lincoln. He is also survived by his half-sister, Lavonne Miller and her husband John of Fort Wayne, Indiana, along with several nieces and nephews.
Meryl was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Evelyn LaRue Nelson, and his sister Ruthanne Ritzer.
In keeping with Meryl’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, located at 114 S. Nottawa Street in Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating Meryl’s life will be held on Saturday, July 12, at 1:00 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis, with Rev. Calvin Kolzow officiating. Following the service, burial will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis, where full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 V.F.W. and the United States Navy Honor Guard.
Memorial donations in Meryl’s memory may be directed to Talons Out Honor Flight, P.O. Box 280, Portage, MI 49081; the Thurston Woods Village Staff Appreciation Fund, 307 N. Franks Avenue, Sturgis, MI 49091; or Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Avenue, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
