Michael Reed Nelson Obituary (2025)

We are saddened to announce the passing of a loving Father, Brother, Papa, and Friend. Mike Nelson was born in Renton, WA to Clarice and Warren Nelson. A few short years later he became an older brother to Linda Larrison of Yakima. Growing up and long into adulthood, Mike was an avid outdoorsman. I he wasn't on a fishing trip; he was out scouting for the next hunting season with his father and cousins. Mike graduated from East Valley High, class of 1966. Following high school, he moved to Pullman and attend Washington State University, where he received his Bachelor's of Science in Wildlife Biology. He was very proud to be a Coug! Shortly after graduating from WSU he married the mother of his children, Vicki Lukrich. Before having children, he enjoyed mastering the art of water skiing on O'Sullivan or on the Columbia River in Vantage. In 1976 Mike became a proud dad to his first child, Amanda Rolfzen, and then in 1978 to Lisa Helgeson, and lastly, he finally got his son in 1980, Marvin Nelson. Mike's love for the outdoors was quickly passed down to his children and nephews, Lonny and Dale Larrison. The annual family fishing trip to Park Lake is still a long-standing family tradition that was started with his kids as early as 3 weeks old. No one was too young to hold a fishing pole. Mike enjoyed watching his kids grow up and play sports or show animals in the Kittitas 4-H. As his kids grew older, he was promoted to Papa in 1998 to Megan Rolfzen, in 2004 to Samuel Rolfzen, and 2008 to Cy Nelson. Mike enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren how to bait their hooks, reel in their fish and net them, even if that meant he spent the entire trip retying hooks or saving poles from falling off the boat. He was happy to be with the ones he loved the most, doing all the things he loved to do. The only thing he loved more than fishing and hunting was his family. Family meant everything to Mike, even if you were a friend, he considered you family. In 2019, Mike became a Great Papa to Camdyn Reed, and again in 2021 to Maci Rhea. Mike was so proud of everything his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren accomplished. We will miss all the times of love, and his memory will live on within us. From Mike's family to yours, we thank each one of you for all the kind words, funny stories, and love we have received at this time of sudden grief and heartache. Mike is preceded in death by his parents Clarice and Warren Nelson. Brother-in-law Dale Larrison Sr. Mike is survived by his sister Linda Larrison, his children, Amanda Rolfzen, Lisa Helgeson, and Marvin Nelson, grandchildren, Megan Rolfzen, Samuel Rolfzen, Cy Nelson, great grandchildren Camdyn and Maci, nephews, Dale Larrison and Lonny Larrison, and cousins, the Minielly family. A private burial will be held in Ellensburg later this month for close family members. A Celebration of Life will be held in April, place and time will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Brookside Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be shared at: www.brooksidefuneral.com