Michael J. "Mike" Nelson

Mike J. Nelson, 57, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, with his family around him. He now celebrates his new life in heaven with an audience of angels and saints singing "You Are My Sunshine".

Mike was born in Whitefish on Oct. 23, 1957, to Paul and Margarite Nelson. As a young boy he lived in Olney until the death of his mother, then moved to Missoula with brother Brady and sister Vicki and lived with his grandparents, his uncles Dan and Dennis, and his aunt Barb. They all grew up together as brothers and sisters. Later the family moved to Arlee where Mike graduated high school in 1976 with honors.

Mike was a 6'3" woodsman and loved the outdoors. He went to work for a sawmill company with his brother Brady after high school. He was a hard worker and amazing with a chainsaw. Later he went to work for Champion International until he was hurt on the job on a burning crew Sept. 23, 1982. Mike endured a lifelong head injury for 33 years.

Mike loved to play guitar and sing, he was a gentle and generous man, and always had a warm smile for everyone. Mike loved the Lord and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Arlee.

He was preceded in death by his mother Margarite; father Paul and sister Victoria.

Mike is survived by his older brother Brady (Cindy); nephews, Lewis (Teresa), Luke (Alicia), Brady Jr. (Ashley), Mike and Jimmy Zander; many great-nephews and nieces; aunts, uncles and cousins that loved him dearly.

Services will be held at Garden City Funeral Home on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. with Father Gary Reller officiating, followed by a reception. Visitation will be held Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9 to 9:45 a.m.
Read Michael Nelson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.