John O. Nelson

John O. Nelson, 53, of Benton Harbor, passed away at his home on September 3, 2011 under the loving care of his wife and children. John was employed at the Berrien County Health Department since 1986, holding several positions: Alcohol/Drug Abuse Prevention Coordinator, Director of Health Promotion and Community Assessment, and Program Operations. In addition, John was also involved in the Berrien Health Plan, Infant Mortality Initiatives, and the Nurse Family Partner Program. John is survived by his wife Nancy of 28 years, sons, Steven of Chicago and Michael of St. Joseph, his parents Keith and Rose Nelson of Rhinelander, WI, sisters, Linda (Alan) Sumwalt of Dousman, WI, Nola Nelson Devereaux of Milwaukee, WI; brothers, Tom, David (Melody), and Gerry (Vicki) Nelson of Rhinelander, WI. John was an avid runner, completing 25 marathons including the Boston Marathon in 2005. As president of the Emergency Shelter Services board, John raised money and dedicated his final marathon this past February (New Orleans, LA) to the Emergency Shelter Services. John enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, traveling and spending time with his sons. A Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 Delaware in Benton Harbor with Fr. William Jacobs Jr., officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Friends may visit from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to the Emergency Shelter. Those wishing to share a memory of John may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.