Nelson Harvey Mead passed away June 21, 2022, at his home in Elmira, Michigan.
He was born on July 7, 1942, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan to Harvey and Pauline (McBride) Mead. In true Nelson form, he was so impatient to get into this world that he was born in the back seat of a taxi. His father Harvey was killed in WW2 on the U.S.S. California. His mother went on to marry Leon Kappler who raised Nelson as his own son. Nelson was famous for saying that Leon was the greatest man that ever walked the earth.
Nelson followed the family tradition by enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1959 and was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was a proud Navy man who spent his time on the U.S.S. Barton and was the best bar room brawler the Navy ever had. He retired from Anchor Danly in Ithaca, Michigan after almost 30 years of service moving to Elmira, Michigan in 2012 where he enjoyed retirement by hunting, fishing, and adopting the neighborhood; all were welcome in his home.
Nelson loved people and treated everyone like family. He loved when people would stop over to spend time with him in his man cave listening to his tall tales and exciting stories of growing up, brawling, and hunting. He loved his life in the north country, his garden, and love of jalapeño peppers. He loved seeing pictures of his grandchildren on social media, although LuAnne had to bring them up for him. Nelson always kept the grandkids busy with walks in the woods, showing them how to whittle sticks, spear rabbits, and hunt small game.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Connie; his parents; in-laws, Ken and Margaret Parks; and his granddaughter, Addison Redman.
Nelson is survived by his wife, LuAnne; children, Cameo Mead, Nelson (Christi) Mead, Heath Mead, Carmen (Paul) Miller, Aleasa Fisher, Josh Allen, Matt (Mary) Redman, Mike (Amanda) Redman, Tim (Morgan) Redman; 20 amazing grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Karen Ackels, Marilyn Tillis, Leon (Vicki) Kappler, Connie (Jeff) Baxter, and Deb Chagnon, along with many nieces and nephews.
Nelson wished to be cremated. A private memorial will be held by the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Patriot Place, 1430 Patriot Dr., Gaylord, MI 49735.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
10 comments on “Nelson H. Mead”
Nelson was a good man who loved my cousin and she loved him. He made her laugh and happy. Thank you Nelson for loving her. Had hoped to see you for your birthday, but will see you on the flip side. Give my dad a hug from me.
Our one and only American brother, uncle, and friend. You took us by surprise, leaving a huge hole in our life. Our love forever. Say hello to the family in heaven.
Your bro Butch, your Pana sis-in-law Vicky, nephews and nieces- Ruben, Leon, Anthony; Rachel, Courtney, and Olivia Kappler. RIP DEAR NELSON. 💚🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💚
Nelson was a very happy cheerful person he will be truly missed by many. All I can say is the few times I met him, I loved speaking with him, and talking with him. He forever touched all our hearts. Nelson, you will be missed by us all, fly high, we all love you.
LuAnne, I’m so very sorry to hear of Nelson’s passing. My prayers are with you.
LuAnne, my heart is so sorry to hear this. Comforting prayers for you and your family and friends. Nelson was a blessing to you all and what I remember of him was the beautiful smiles that truly lit up his whole face, and how brightly his eyes would twinkle, especially when he looked at you or spent time with the kids. Sending you hugs and love.
A wonderful man with a huge heart who was always willing to help out, a very special one of a kind, away a great time sitting and talking. Indeed a great loss to all. We will greatly miss spending time with Nelson.
I’m heart broken at the loss of my brother. I will always & forever miss him. I’m grateful that Louann was such a wonderful wife to him , rest in peace dear brother. 🙏
To my one-of-a-kind brother-in-law who loved my sister very much. Your laugh was contagious. Your hugs and handshakes were genuine. Your stories, knowledge, and quest for life were out of this world. May God have you in the palm of his hand saying well done my son. Till we meet again we love you. Thoughts, Prayers, and Hugs Sis.
My heart is broken my brother Nelson has passed away. I will miss him every day of my life. Rest in peace 🙏
Nelson has been not only my favorite client but also my friend. I will miss the stories, I will miss the exchanging of bear sausage and venison sausage. I think he loved seeing who was better (of course his was better)! I was always ready for a story, especially after deer season, and I of course had to brag about my harvest as well. Nelson has left me with such fond memories of hunting and I’ll forever be grateful for him. Nelson was always happy with life and his family, especially LuAnn. Gosh, I’m gonna miss him. I’m so very sorry for this loss!