Nelson James McDonald

  Nelson James McDonald,73, died Thursday, October 10, 2024, at his home in Eveline Township, Charlevoix County, Michigan.

  He was born on November 12, 1950, in Petoskey, the son of Malcolm “Mack” and Beverly B. (Bennett) McDonald.  He grew up in East Jordan.  He graduated from East Jordan High School in 1968 and received his Associates Degree from North Central Michigan College in Petoskey.

  Nelson enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1971 and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 1994.

  On January 18, 2004, in Tarpon Springs, Florida, he married Regina Helen Saganek Paul.

  Nelson had worked at Home Depot in Dunedin, Florida and Petoskey.  He also worked at the Ace Hardware in Boyne City.

 He enjoyed putzing around and tinkering in between his love of fishing, hunting, fine woodworking and reading activities.  He was a man who enjoyed plain and simple living.

  Nelson is survived by his wife, Regina H. McDonald of East Jordan; daughter, Norah (David) Rawley of Hendersonville, North Carolina; son, Neil McDonald of East Jordan; three stepchildren, Kathy (Mike) Wray of East Jordan, Krista Reid of Warner Robins, Georgia and Kevin Paul of Boyne City; four grandchildren; one brother, Daniel (Nancy) McDonald of Marshall; one sister, Karen (David) Cramer of Boyne City; and his best friend, Gary Albring.  Nelson was preceded in death by his parents and one infant sister, Marene B. McDonald.

  A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc. in East Jordan. Rev. David L. Behling will officiate.

  The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home.  Memorials may be given to East Jordan Ambulance Association.

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