Douglas N Nelson

Douglas Neil Nelson, 70, of Lakeport, passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2016, after a long illness.

He was born to Lawrence J. and Jean-Mary (Smith) Nelson on July 7, 1946 and was raised in Port Huron. He graduated from St. Stephen’s Catholic High School (’64) and briefly attended St. Clair County Community College. He served in the 1st Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division on the ground in Vietnam and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After his service, he returned to Michigan and attended Northern Michigan University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Industrial Arts.

Douglas returned to Port Huron and was a teacher through PHASD when he decided to return to school to become an attorney. While attending the Detroit College of Law, he started working at Michigan National Bank as a trust officer. After graduating and passing the bar, Doug was admitted to the Bar Association and began private practice as an estate planning attorney.

Doug loved Port Huron and the Blue Water area. He practiced law in the Port Huron area for over 20 years and was active in the St. Clair County Bar Association as well as a member of the Michigan and American Bar Associations.

He was involved in the community and supported many boards and councils including the Blue Water Center for Independent Living, the St. Clair County Council on Aging and Mercy Hospital. He was also active in the Elks and Lions Club as well as the St. Stephen’s Athletic Alumni Association.

He was an avid fisherman and boater, loved to hunt and especially to play golf.

Doug is survived by his daughter, Kate Nelson of Gilbert, Arizona; son, Ryan (Bonnie) Nelson of Gladstone, Michigan; step-son, Steven Friend of Fort Gratiot, Michigan; step-daughter, Jennifer Friend of Fort Gratiot, Michigan; grandchildren, Sierra, Valerie and Natalie Friend, Tyler Friend, Zachary Johnson, Kayden, Dylan and Madelynn Nelson; great-granddaughter Arianna Friend; siblings, Lawrence (Joan) Nelson, Terry Krueger, J. Michael (Linda) Nelson and Joe Nelson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara (Friend) Nelson and brother-in-law, Dennis Krueger.

The family will receive friends from 2-9 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2016 at Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Lakeport Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Clair County Council on Aging.