Clifton Nelson

Clifton “Dale” Nelson, 89, of Berrien Springs passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Pine Ridge Nursing and Rehab. Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, May 5, 2017 at Zion United Church of Christ in Baroda with Rev. Dr. Chris Noffke officiating. Burial will follow at Ruggles Cemetery, Baroda, MI. Friends may call from 5-8 PM on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Starks and Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion United Church of Christ, Baroda. Dale was born on Nov. 16, 1927 to Clifton & Lettie Nelson. Dale lived his entire life in the home where he resided when he died, which is a centennial farm. On March 22, 1952, he married the former Dorothy Sommers. They celebrated 65 years together.   Dale was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in Baroda. Dale was a farmer and worked together with his brother, Lee. He then worked for Lakeshore Public Schools for 29 ½ years, retiring in 1990. Dale is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughters, Marion Koetsier of Jackson, MI, Marjorie (Mike) Kesterke of Berrien Center and Marlene (Dale) Villwock of Buchanan; grandchildren, Nick (Alyson) Kechkaylo, Jenny (Mike) Tucker, Jacob & Rachael Koetsier, Adam (Brandy) Villwock and Brian (Jen) Villwock; great-grandchildren, Lucy Tucker, Alex Kechkaylo and Theo Villwock and step-grandchildren, Chad and Amanda Kesterke. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Joseph Villwock; great Granddaughter, Colleen Villwock; his parents; sister, Leta Anstiss and brothers, Lyle and Lee.