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PALMER, MI – Francis Alan ‘Frannie’ Nelson, 75, lifelong Palmer resident, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, September 15, 2026 at his home.
Frannie was born June 17, 1951 in Ishpeming to Theodore and Margaret (Forsberg) Nelson and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1969. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in Business from Northern Michigan University. Following graduation from NMU, Fran began his longtime dedicated career owning and operating Fran’s Standard Service in Palmer. He worked everyday from dawn until dusk, enjoyed providing a social location for coffee and visiting with friends, and loved supporting his community.
In his small amount of free time, Fran enjoyed playing softball and cribbage. He was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on his grandchildren throughout their athletic careers. Following his semi-retirement, Fran enjoyed bus touring, fishing on the Dead River Basin and spending time with his family and friends.
Surviving are his loving wife, Michelle (Ayotte) Nelson; his daughter, Frannie Lynn (Ted) Nakkula of Marquette; step-children: Danielle Pinette of Massachusetts, Sarah (Tanner) Uren of Green Bay and Gerry (Paige Briggs) Pirkola of New York; three grandchildren: Averie and Cole Kelly, and Laney Jean Pirkola; his siblings: Mike ‘Tex’ (Susie) Nelson of Negaunee Township; Karen (Todd) Martin of Marquette and John (Francine) Nelson of Arizona; nephews: Adam (Stevie) Nelson, Danny (Iva) Novak and Michael Novak; niece, Carly Nelson; and special friends, Dave ‘Barney’ (Kay) Korpi and Brad Holman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and infant brother, Daniel; his special friend, Rod Sharp; and his beloved dog and best buddy, Riley.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Koskey Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 30th from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. A reception and luncheon will follow at the Richmond Township Fire Hall with a meal being served at 3:00 pm. Interment will take place with his parents in the Negaunee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Palmer Firefighter’s Association, PO Box 344, Palmer, Michigan 49871.