Reed Nelson, 91 of Battle Creek, passed away, Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. He was born April 4, 1920 in Downers Grove, Illinois the son of DeWitte and Bertha (Hockett) Nelson. Reed graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1938 and the Michigan College of Mining and Technology (now known as Michigan Technological University) in 1942 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He was a weather officer in the Army Air Corps serving from 1943 to 1946. Reed worked at Post Cereals and I.P.I. prior to working at the Union Pump Company from 1955 to 1964. In 1964 he moved his family to Ashland, OH to work at the F.E. Myer & Brother Company. Reed returned to the Union Pump Company in 1969 and retired in 1982. Reed discovered bicycling in the early 70’s and with Ruth at his side, became an avid and passionate cyclist. They were active members of the Battle Creek Bicycle Club for many years, winning many mileage trophies along the way. Reed and Ruth enjoyed traveling, especially throughout the United States. Bicycle tours were followed in later years by trips by car or bus. In 1984, at the age of 64, Reed fulfilled a dream and rode his bike, with full pack, across the United States with a small group, following the “Bikecentennial Trail”. It was the longest time Reed and Ruth were ever separated during 61 years of marriage. Surviving are two daughters: Laurie J. Nelson of Grand Rapids and Linda R. (Leonard) Trudeau of Antioch, IL. Family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with Rev. Patricia Weatherwax officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the Parlor of the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to The National Kidney Foundation or the National Parkinson’s Foundation. Laurie and Linda would like to express our sincere gratitude to the professional and caring staff of Fresenius Medical Care Battle Creek on S.W. Capital for taking such good care of our Dad for the last 4 years. You became a second family to him and for that we are forever grateful.
