Willard Nelson

Willard Nelson was a man who dedicated his life to loving and serving others whether his fellow Americans, his family, or those within his church family. He was a man of strong character and unmatched integrity who was never concerned with material things, but rather with eternal things. Willard worked hard throughout his life, yet he also found time to enjoy the things he loved. He realized that it doesn’t so much matter where our journey takes us, but that it is of greater significance to find the simple pleasures in life along the way. Willard leaves behind a legacy rich in strength, generosity, and faith that will live on in the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind.

The year 1924 was part of a vibrant decade in America with the growth of countless industries and advancements in technology around nearly every corner. This was the year in which the first around-the-world flight took place, George Gershwin’s new symphonic jazz music was heard for the first time, and dance crazes such as the Charleston and the Shimmy were the newest fad. It was also during this year that Willard and Sophia (Stasik) Nelson welcomed the birth of their son, Willard, on December 21st. Willard was born in Fennville, Michigan, as the ninth of 12 children and the youngest boy in his family. By the 1930s, our nation became engulfed by the Great Depression, which hovered over our nation throughout the entire decade. Countless American families struggled just to make ends meet and the Nelson family was no different. Willard attended local schools including Fennville High School where he was in the glee club and excelled in three different sports: football, basketball, and baseball. As a young boy, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

In 1942, Willard’s brother James was killed during WWII aboard the USS Houston, which prompted Willard to enlist in the Navy himself. Also during this time, Willard met a young girl who immediately captured his heart. Her name was Josephine and although she was raised in New York and Chicago, she would travel to the New Richmond area every summer to work the family farm. A connection was made and a relationship blossomed as the two worked the farm not far away from each other. They were married in the United Methodist Church in Fennville while he was home on leave after completing boot camp. Not long after, Willard received a telegram that Josephine had given birth to their firstborn son. While in the service, Willard was a signalman and an armed guard crewman during the Atlantic, American, and Asiatic-Pacific Campaigns in WWII.

When he was discharged in 1945, Willard joined his wife and new son in New York where they had been living with Josephine’s parents. Willard found work there but not long after, they decided to move back to West Michigan. They settled in the Holland area in 1946 and eventually bought a house on 21st Street. Their family grew to include four more children: Maxine, Jonathan, Valerie, and Mark. As their family grew and needed more room, they built a home in Holland Heights.

In order to support his family, Willard always worked as a driver of some sort. He began as a taxi driver and then started his career as a truck driver with Michigan Express in 1947. Willard later worked for Holland Motor Express and lastly for USF Holland until he retired in 1982.

Not only did Willard work to support his family at home, but also his church family. He was significantly involved in the construction of Holland First Assembly of God where he was a charter member. Initially the church met in his aunt’s home and then in the Women’s Literary Club in Holland before moving to the site of their newly built church. Willard was actively involved in the life of the church, serving as the Sunday school superintendant, a song leader, and a Sunday school teacher as well. Singing was a passion of Willard’s and his family will forever treasure the memories they have of him singing while on road trips to keep the family entertained as the miles passed by.

Throughout his life, Willard Nelson was more concerned with the needs of others than he ever was about his own. He was a man of faith who displayed what it truly means to be the hands and feet of God, touching the lives of many. Willard treasured his family and dedicated his life to providing for them while showing each person just how deeply they were loved. He leaves behind countless memories that will be forever cherished by those he leaves behind. Willard will be dearly missed.

Willard M. Nelson of Holland, died Tuesday, March 30, 2010, at Golden Orchard in Fennville. Willard’s family includes his children, Will P. (Felicia) Nelson, of Lafayette, CO, Maxine (Mel) Dillin, of Holland, Jonathan Nelson, of Fennville, Valerie (James) Gillis, of Allegan, and Mark (Michelle) Nelson, of Bristow, VA; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; sisters, Priscilla Peppler, of Manchester, OH, Gloria Hibma, and Lois Wiersema, both of Holland; sister-in-law Ruth Nelson, of Lander, Wyoming; nieces and nephews. Willard was preceded in death by his wife Josephine in 2007and a great granddaughter, Jacqueline Sofia in 2007. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, 1:00 p.m., at Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes – Mulder Chapel – Holland, MI, 188 W. 32nd St. Burial will be in Manlius Twp. Cemetery. Visit with Willard’s family and friends on Thursday, April 1st from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook or make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association.