Glenn C. 'Poco' Nelson

WAUSAU, Wis. - Glenn C. "Poco" Nelson, age 71, resident of West Harding Road in Bessemer, Mich., died Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wisconsin, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on March 28, 1945, at Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, Mich., son of the late Philip and Angeline (Calabro) Nelson. He grew up in Jessieville and attended Ironwood High School, graduating in 1963.

Glenn served in the U.S. Army beginning in 1965 and was stationed in Vietnam, where he captained the LCM boat Charlie 14. He was honorably discharged from the Reserves in 1971. After serving his country, he attended Gogebic Community College and served as student body president, earning an associate degree in business. Later, he attended the University of Akron in Ohio.

Always excited about new opportunities, he tried his hand in several industries. Following high school, he went to work on the Great Lakes as a deck hand and cook on merchant vessels. Following his service in the Army, he managed restaurants, supervised machinists, and worked as a foundry supply salesman and buyer. He realized a lifelong dream of owning a business when he purchased a foundry that manufactured bronze and aluminum plaques.

Glenn married Diana Niemi, daughter of the late Reino and Lempi Niemi, on Sept. 11, 1971, at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer. In 1973, Diana and Glenn moved to Napoleon, Ohio, where they started a family. In 2012, they returned to the Upper Peninsula for retirement.

Glenn was passionate about fishing, the Green Bay Packers and helping others. In Napoleon, he was instrumental in starting the youth and high school soccer programs and was a coach for many years. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, helped adults learn how to read through the Laubach literacy program, and was elected to the boards of both the Henry County Historical Society and the Toledo chapter of the American Foundry Society. He was a member of American Legion Post 340 in Holgate, Ohio. In Ironwood, he was a member of American Legion Post 5 and the Piave Society. He also played in the cribbage league at the VFW in Bessemer.

He is survived by his wife, Diana, of 45 years; son, Philip (Katherine Plack); daughter, Catherine Anchin (Scott); and grandchildren, Elizabeth and Alexander Anchin. He is also survived by his siblings, Donna Korpi (Glenn), Linda Dufrane (Dennis), Paula Rigoni (Robert), Lenore Jackson (Keith), Karen Johnson (Dennis), and Mark Nelson (Dorothy); as well as an extended family that includes many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip "Bud" and Angeline "Angie" Nelson.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m., at Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home, 304 South Sophie Street, in Bessemer. Pastor Bill Jacobson will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. The celebration will continue at the Bessemer Post 3673 Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall following the service.

The family thanks all the health professionals who helped Glenn during the past several years. Donations can be made in memory of Glenn to The Blood Center of Wisconsin, the organization that enabled him to be a tissue donor.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home of Bessemer has been entrusted with arrangements. To send on line condolences, visit angefuneralservices.com.