Bernard Edward Nelson

Bernard Edward Nelson of Saginaw, formerly of Caro, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 14, 2021 at Covenant Medical Center - Harrison in Saginaw at the age of 83. Bernie was born June 7, 1937 in Ishpeming, the son of the late Phillip & Agnes (Nord) Nelson. As a first generation American, he was proud of his Upper Peninsula and Swedish heritage. Bernie graduated from Ishpeming High School with the class of 1955 and attended Michigan Technological University for a year. He transferred to Northern Michigan University, working his way through school at a mining company, in lumber camps, and in the galley of ore freighters on the Great Lakes. Bernie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and took his first teaching position at Jeffers High School in Painesdale. In 1964, he was offered a teaching position in chemistry and physics at Caro High School and remained there until 1985 when he became the school's assistant principal. Several years later, he became the McComb Elementary Principal, retiring in 1998. During his years at Caro High School, he graduated from Michigan State University with a Master of Education degree and became active with the Michigan Education Association and its political arm, MEPAC. His career in education allowed him to touch the lives of countless students, many whom referred to him affectionately as Bunsen Bernie. Even in retirement, he continued to teach the art of pasty making at Community Education, although it is widely believed that no one has ever matched his talent. Bernie was also deeply involved in the Caro community, as a village councilman, organizer of the Car-Mar Games, founder of the Caro Baseball Federation, and member of the Mt. Moriah Lodge #226. He was a devoted congregant of the Caro First Presbyterian Church where he served as treasurer for twenty-five years. More recently, Bernie attended the Second Presbyterian Church in Saginaw. He was a talented builder and made a lasting hobby of restoring his historical Caro home. Bernie had a discerning eye and a particular nature that ensured every project was handled to perfection. He was also an avid Saginaw Spirit hockey fan and enjoyed the many friendships he forged with the team through the years. Left to cherish Bernie's memory are his loving wife of fifty-three years, Mary Nelson of Saginaw; two children and their spouses, Kristen & Keith Wenzel of Saginaw, Kirk & Jennifer Nelson of Hudson Oaks, Texas; four grandchildren, Walker Wenzel, Morgan, Claire, and Jacob Nelson; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Bernie was preceded in death by three siblings, Carl Nelson, Paul Nelson, and Ann Marie Hammar. In keeping with Bernie's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at the Caro First Presbyterian Church with Nicholas Schmelter officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Caro First Presbyterian Church or the Caro Baseball & Softball Federation. Visitation Information Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 7:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Thursday, May 20, 2021 Time: 11:00 am Caro First Presbyterian Church Address: 215 N. Almer St. Caro, Michigan 48723 A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at the Caro First Presbyterian Church with Nicholas Schmelter officiating.