Ed Nelson – 1940 – 2020
Life long friends Iver Johnson left and Ed Nelson right in 2006.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ed Nelson of Menominee, Michigan. Trygve Rhude remembers Ed as a “great teacher and helper, I learned a lot from that man.” Ed was active in the Renegade fleet and competed in many regattas.
Ed Nelson, 80, passed away on December 5, 2020 at his home in Menominee. He was born March 30, 1940 in Menominee to Milton and Frances Nelson. Ed loved all of the years he spent sailing on Green Bay, racing in 67 “100” Milers”, starting at age 7 crewing for his father. He also raced in “the Hook” and numerous ice boat races. Ed also was an avid hunter “bagging the big buck” year after year since childhood. Ed’ boat building skills were put to use fitting out two sail boats, one of them his own design, and numerous ice boats. He also designed and constructed three wooden canoes.
Ed was a 1958 graduate of Menominee High School and in 1962 received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Tech in Houghton. He was most recently employed at Evergreen Tool. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Menominee as well as the M & M Yacht Club. He also enjoyed many morning coffees with his group of friends.
There goes another C-Class Skeeter ready for measuring and swage rigging. This one’s out East. Mike Acebo built the boat for George Nyssen, a Yankee and J14 skipper in Connecticut. Mike reports the Skeeter was a group effort. Bill Bucholz up in Maine made the mast, George made the springboard, plank, chocks, and seat, the Jeff Rogers of Airplane Plastics from the Midwest supplied the airplane canopy. Mike says, “the most important, Pat Heppert, for the fantastic plans and support. I know George will represent us well when all the pieces are together.”
