Nelson Ivins

Nelson Ivins of Spring Lake died peacefully Thursday, April 16th 2009 at home in the loving presence of his daughters. Nelson was born November 22, 1917 in South Bend IN to Charles & Grace Ivins. He graduated in 1936 from the Elkhart High School in Elkhart IN where he enjoyed playing in the school band. His love of music and his creative endeavors would lead him to employment with the Conn Band Instrument Factory in Elkhart where he made his trumpet from scraps and had it silver plated by the president of the company. Along with his music, he enjoyed racing around Simonton Lake in his speedboat that he made in the 8th grade. Nelson enlisted in the US Army January 5th 1941. However, due to his engineering experience, he was pulled out of the Army to serve in the Air Corp as a Civil Engineer where he proceeded to build airfields around the country. One of those bases was in Malden MO where he met Helen De Pew who would become his wife in 1945. In the following years, he would have many interesting jobs. While living in Indianapolis, he worked for the renowned flyer, Roscoe Turner at the Wier Cook Airport. Moving to Michigan, he was employed by Dennison Marine in Saugatuck where Frank Dennison asked him to come down to Ft. Lauderdale FL to build boats. Thankfully he declined. He built and finished furniture for Baker Furniture Co. and retired in 1981 from the City of Grand Rapids as a Chemist for the Water Treatment Plant. Nelson has been a resident of Spring Lake for 60 Years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven for nearly 50 years where he served as a Deacon and Elder. SURVIVORS Nelson leaves behind his daughters, Marietta (Roger) Brown of IN, Nanette (Steven) Vanderhoff of Spring Lake, grandchildren, Nanette Brown of VA, Reuben (Michelle) Brown of AR, Katie (Jeff) Hawkins of MD, Chelsea & Rachel Vanderhoff of Marquette. He will also be missed by his great grandchildren, Zachary, Dillon & Marlee Hawkins, Shelby & Luke Brown. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen & infant son. SERVICE Graveside Services will be held Saturday, April 18, 2009, 2:00 PM at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart IN. VISITATION A celebration of his life will be held Friday, April 17, 2009, 6-8 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven.