Clifford Dwight Nelson, Jr., 60, of Stephenson and former Negaunee resident, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2017 at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Cliff was born May 20, 1956 in Ishpeming to Clifford D. and Nancy C. (Lindstrom) Nelson and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1974. He earned his bachelor and master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Cliff was most recently employed with Aquila Resources as V.P of U.S. Operations, working in Stephenson on the Back Forty Project.

Cliff was a member of the Stephenson Lions Club, Pheasant Club, Shooting Club, and White Tail Deer. He was an avid outdoorsman and his passion was his whole family, fishing and tying flies. He also immensely enjoyed kayaking on the beautiful waters, playing cards all night long (hand and foot, and damn it), playing pool, cooking, loved spending time with friends and people, telling stories, playing with his grandchildren, and laughing.

Surviving are his parents; his wife, Lisa (Wertz) Nelson; three sons: Michael (Vien) Nelson of California, Christopher (Katie) Nelson of Nevada and Jonathon Nelson of California; his daughter, Tanya (Garrett) Wade of California; step-children: Ashley (Justin Pecchenino) Alaez of Nevada, Heather Alaez of Nevada and Ricky Alaez of Nevada; two sisters: Cindy Collyer of Marquette and Daisy Nelson of Negaunee; his brother, Curt (Becky) Nelson of Portage; five grandchildren: Bel and Chloe, Bryson, and Alice and Jaxson; two nieces: Shainna Nelson and Cassie (Michael) Emanuel; and a great-nephew, Eli Emanuel. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, April 7th at Mitchell United Methodist Church with Rev. J. Albert Barchue officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00 am until the time of services at 12:00 noon at the church on Friday, and also at a luncheon reception in the church hall immediately following services.