Obituary: Merwin Carl Nelson

March 15, 1932 – Oct. 8, 2019

Merwin Carl Nelson, 87, of Algoma and formerly of Washington Island, died at Autumn’s Journey CBRF in Algoma with his wife, Hazel, at his side.

He was born on Washington Island, the son of Lester and Mildred (Boyce) Nelson. Mer graduated from Washington Island High School. He served on the USS Segundo submarine during the Korean War, stationed in the South Pacific and Philippines.

On March 26, 1960, he married Hazel Irene McLaughlin in Las Vegas, Nevada. He lived in Arizona for 33 years, where he and his brother owned a lumberyard and hardware store. He later owned a tavern business in Washington state and a resort in Minnesota.

He is survived by one daughter, Sheree, and her twin daughters, Rachael and Rebecca of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Hazel’s four children and their families.

Preceding him in death are his parents; brother, Gordon; and sister, Janice Crislason.

At his request, no public service will be held. He will be laid to rest at Washington Island.

Casperson Funeral Home and Door County Crematory in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the Nelson family. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Merwin can be shared through his tribute page at caspersonfuneralhome.com.