Michael William "Mike" Nelson, affectionately known as “Buddy”, 74, of Burlington, stepped into eternity on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics surrounded by his loving family.
Mike was born January 16, 1951, in Burlington. He was the son of Ralph and Margaret Ann Nelson. He married Pamela Scholer on January 1, 1977, at Harmony Bible Church in Danville. Together they built a legacy of faith and family.
Mike graduated from Burlington High School in 1969. He went on to Memphis State University in Tennessee on a full-ride golf scholarship. He played on the Memphis State golf team all four years. He graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
After graduating, Mike went to work for his father in the concrete construction business. Mike later started his own business. He owned and operated Mike Nelson Concrete Paving Company for 41 years. His award-winning concrete work cannot only be seen all over Burlington and the surrounding areas, but also nationwide. His concrete company took him and his family all over the United States, including Florida, Indiana, Ohio, New York, and North Carolina. He loved what he did and was committed to perfection with every job.
Mike was most passionate about Jesus and his family. He told everyone he met about the Good News of salvation in Christ alone. He cherished God’s Word and the mysteries therein. He spent a lot of time on the mission field. He visited Cuba 27 times spreading the love of Jesus, distributing Bibles, Chromebooks, baseballs, and soccer balls. He also served on work trips using his construction skills in Joplin, MO and Montego Bay, Jamaica. Whether you were “Big-Time”, “Bro”, “Sis”, or “Little Shaver”, he never knew a stranger.
Mike was an incredibly active man who could be found at the YMCA playing basketball with the young pups or out on the driving range hitting balls and giving pointers to everyone. He was an accomplished golfer. He won the Burlington City Championship 7 times along with many other tournaments nationwide throughout his life. His talent for golf was undeniable.
He loved going to watch his grandchildren at all of their sporting events and cheering them on. He was their biggest fan. Sharing his love for golf and seeing his grandchildren grow and succeed brought him such a big smile.
He enjoyed saltwater fishing, particularly during his winters on Sanibel Island, Florida. He had incredible fishing stories. He was a coffee connoisseur and appreciated fresh seafood, delectable pastries, and desserts. He would always remind you though that he does not eat chicken.
He appreciated trendy sneakers and athletic wear. His unique sneaker choice usually gave him the opportunity to strike up a conversation and share the Gospel with anyone he crossed paths with.
He most enjoyed the Sunday night Nelson family dinners in his home. His greatest joy was his family and whoever else came to dinner. Family or friend, you were always welcome.
Survivors include his wife, Pamela Nelson of Burlington; one brother, Steve (Sue) Nelson of West Burlington; his three daughters, Heidi (Marc) Nelson-Luedtke of Burlington, Stacey (James) Stevens of Burlington, Carly (Igor) Frankovic of Queen Creek, AZ; his two sons, Geoffrey (Lupita) Nelson of Fairfax, IA, and Ruslan Nelson of Burlington; grandchildren, Tate Nelson (Jada Wiseman), Mateo Rascon (Hannah Russell), Tomás Rascon, Séla Rascon, Liliana Frankovic, Dorian Frankovic, Avery Miller, Oliver Nelson, Miles Nelson, Simon Nelson, Abram Miller, Victor Nelson; great-granddaughter, Paisley Grace Nelson; step-grandchildren, Tyler (Taylor) Stevens, Logan (Kelsey) Stevens, Breanna Stevens (McCain Richards); step-great-grandchildren, Josie Stevens, Valerie Stevens, Sawyer Stevens, Benson Stevens, Delilah Stevens; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Harmony Bible Church, Danville Campus.
The memorial service for Mr. Nelson will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at Harmony Bible Church, Danville Campus with Pastor Matt Yaley officiating. A private family graveside service will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date. A time of food and fellowship will be held at Harmony Bible Church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for a scholarship in his honor and global and local missions. Memorial donations may be sent to Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601 in care of the Nelson Family.