William J. Nelson

William J. Nelson, 71, of South Haven, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Bronson Hospital in South Haven, Michigan. He was born July 27, 1949 to Robert Towner and Eunice Lucille (Guild) Nelson in Geneva, Illinois. William graduated from Wheaton Central High School before attending Wabonsee Community College in Sugargrove, Illinois. He was a lifetime member of Brick Layers Union International and Allied Craftworkers. William married Nancy Konkol in Wheaton, Illinois in 1978 and they shared 32 years of marriage before her passing in 2011. He was an active member of AA for 35 years and was instrumental in starting new AA groups. William had a great passion for music and loved to play the guitar. He was a member of Foundry Hall and helped establish Open Mic Nights at both the Black River Tavern and Lakeside Lanes in South Haven.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Nancy Nelson, grandson, William “BJ” J. Nelson, III, and siblings – Joy VanDykman, Shirley Vanderploeg, Nancy Mundlinger, and Jim and Bob Nelson.

William is survived by his children – Kelley Nelson of New Orleans, Lousiana, Bill (Robin) Nelson of Elkton, Maryland, and Richard Nelson of Paia, Hawaii; siblings – Janice Hill and Susan Santag; grandchildren – Brittany, Chase, Brandon, Pippin, and Sage Nelson and Lily Davis and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Private family services have been held. William will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Geneva, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made in William’s honor to Foundry Hall at P.O. Box 463, South Haven, MI 49090 or The Parkinson’s Foundation at 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.