Robert C. Nelson

Robert Clark Nelson, 97, of Grand Rapids, surrounded by his family, went into the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Bob served in the Navy during WWII on the USS Richmond where he was introduced to Jesus Christ.  He returned from the war with zeal to serve the Lord.  He attended Nyack College in New York, Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College, and graduated from Grand Rapids Baptist Theological Seminary in 1952.  During his lifetime, he started and pastored 5 churches: Edmore, MI; Owosso, MI; Saline, MI; Ada, MI; and Stanton, MI.  He was also a full-time elementary school teacher in the Forest Hills School District.  Bob was also involved in the Crossroads Prison Ministry for a number of years.  The common thread in his life was the joy that the Lord gave him.  He was known for the smile on his face and his kindness.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maidie Alice and daughter, Nancy Cook.  He is survived by his daughters, Judy (Richard) Schutte of Ada, MI and Carol (John) Hoogterp of Wyoming, MI.  Bob is survived by his 5 grandchildren: Chris Geddes, Jodie Tienvieri, Matthew DenOtter, Amy Paoletti, Jonathan DenOtter, and David Cook.  He was blessed with 17 great grandchildren who adored him:  Jordan Geddes, Taylor Geddes, Payton Geddes, Hannah Tienvieri, Joshua Tienvieri,   Christopher Paoletti, Isabella Paolette, Jacob Paoletti, Ana Paoletti, Andrew Paoletti, Carter Cook, Natalie Cook, Jensen Cook, Ruby Cook, Madison DenOtter, Ava DenOtter, and Violet DenOtter.

The family will receive friends at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 on Sunday from 4-7 pm and on Monday at the church beginning at 10 am.  The funeral service will be held Monday April 23rd at 11:00 am at West Cannon Baptist Church, 5760 Cannonsburg Road, N.E., Belmont, MI  49306 with Pastor Doug Crawford officiating.  The family thanks the kind nurses and aids at Rest Haven Home for their loving care. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the West Cannon Baptist Church Mission Fund.

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