Jerome B. Nelson

Nelson, Jerome B.

Of Jackson, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the age of 90 years. He was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There he attended the University of Minnesota and met his wife, and the love of his life, Veronica. Jerome and Veronica moved to Jackson in 1957, to start his job with Consumers Power. He worked at Consumers for 32 years as a civil engineer, preforming design work for transmission lines, including structures. He later earned a Masters Degree in Business at Wayne State University. However, Jerome's most important job was always to be a phenomenal husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was first and foremost a family man. He always made time to be with his children and grandchildren, who all absolutely adore him. He instilled in some of them his love of sports, especially baseball. In others, he instilled his love of travel, hiking, reading, gardening, yard work, and puzzles.

For many years Jerome played softball and coached Little League baseball. He was an avid fan of all sports, but his favorite teams were the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins. Off season, he travelled the world with his wife, Veronica. They made an attempt to visit every baseball stadium and state capitol, and loved hiking the National Parks, sunsets on the beach and mountain views. They also traveled extensively internationally and always recommended New Zealand as a travel destination. However, their favorite and most memorable trips were with their grandchildren. The grandchildren chose and researched the destination their choice, creating priceless life long memories for each of them.

Jerome was a happy man who loved his town, his walks around the Cascades, and his life. He was well read, highly intelligent, and skilled in the art of conversation. Until the very end, everyone loved talking with him. He never met a stranger and never made an enemy.

He was cherished by his immediate and his large extended family and will be dearly missed by all. He will always and forever be an inspiration to all who knew him.

He his survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Veronica "Ronni"; two children, Pamela (David) Klekner and Steven (Jeanette) Nelson; daughter-in-law, Lori Nelson; grandchildren, Max (Kennedy) Klekner, Paige (Michael) Rockhold, Erik Nelson, Marisa (Cameron) Rutz, DrewNelson, Jacob Nelson, Analise Nelson, Hannah-Grace Nelson, Bradley Nelson; and Alexis Nelson; four great-grandchildren, George Rockhold, Ava Rockhold, Crew Klekner, and Olivia Rutz; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Nelson.

According to Jerome's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. John's United Church of Christ with Pastor Judy Goodrow officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Church on Wednesday, May 28 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Smile Train.