John Arthur Nelson

Dr. John Arthur Nelson Ph.D., 78, of Benton Harbor, MI, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at his residence. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, November 13, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI, with Pastor Gene Pastrick officiating. Friends may visit with the family before the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home.  Those wishing to share a memory of John online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. John was born on January 16, 1938 in Sturgeon Bay, WI to John and Lucille (Beard) Nelson. He graduated from University of WI with a degree in chemical engineering and from University of AZ with a Ph.D. in physical chemistry.  John married Ellen Sue Grimes in Crown Point, IN on August 25, 1961.  He retired from Whirlpool in 1997 after 28 years as a sr. staff engineer.  He was also a member of Toastmasters International, National Society of Professional Engineers and National Association of Corrosion Engineers. John enjoyed gardening, woodworking and avidly supported the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers.  John is survived by his wife, Ellen Sue; daughter Cheryl Youngblood of Raleigh, NC; son Paul Nelson of Benton Harbor; grandchildren – Bret, Benjamin and Alexander Nelson; and sister Beverly Glassman of Albuquerque, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Gail Murray and Charmaine Crawford; and brother Jerry Peddy.