Cover photo for Dennis T. Nelson's Obituary
Dennis T. Nelson Profile Photo
Dennis

Dennis T. Nelson

Dennis passed away Thursday, September 17, 2020 at his home in Otsego.

He was born November 8, 1950 in Flint the son of David and Gladys “Skip” (Marks) Nelson. Dennis loved music and was a musician. He was a member of several bands over the years including Wrkshop, Black Cat Bone and harmonica player for the Nelson Brothers Band. Dennis was an inspiration to many upcoming musicians. He was known to many as Denny “Never Out of Breath” Nelson. He opened for Johnny Winter and 38 Special and played many bike nights with his son Cory at the Tenth Street Saloon in Plainwell.

Nothing made Dennis happier than being Papa to his loved granddaughter, Layla, she was the light of his life. In his free time he enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing with his son and attending concerts with his wife. On April 17, 1982 in Martin he married Joyce Doss who survives.

Also surviving are his son, Cory (Ashley) Nelson of Otsego; his granddaughter, Layla who he adored; step-son, Caine Johnson of Plainwell; step-granddaughter, Nara; siblings, Curtis Nelson of Plainwell, David Nelson of Kalamazoo and Craig (Kathy) Nelson of Otsego along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

According to his wishes cremation has taken place.

A jam session to celebrate Dennis will be held at 5:00 P.M., Saturday, September 26, 2020 at the Tenth Street Saloon in Plainwell.

Contributions in memory of Dennis may be made to a scholarship fund for his granddaughter, Layla’s education.

Messages of condolence may be posted at

www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

.

Offer Condolence for the family of Dennis T. Nelson

Condolence Messages

Sally Kenyon-laws

September 18, 2020 at 8:25 pm

So sorry to see this. Hugs & prayers to the family

Reply

Carol

September 19, 2020 at 12:00 am

Joyce n Cory, there are no words. Just feelings. All my love, hugs n prayers are all for you right now. Man is Den going to be missed. Hoping we can come see you on the 26th. Love you

Reply

Max Randal Honeysett

September 19, 2020 at 1:12 am

Hey Duck,

Tough thoughts to put down. So many things I am thankful to you for. Somehow I hope you are still blowing that harp. I never knew anyone that played it better than you. Thank you for countless hours of listening pleasure.

You are truly missed by so many of us that your legacy will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace Duck.

Reply

Jeanne Smith

September 19, 2020 at 1:22 am

Joyce & Cory, my heart goes out to you and your family. Dennis touched so many with his music and sense of humor, he will be truly missed. He was a good soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Reply

Judy Bard

September 19, 2020 at 7:50 am

So sorry about Dennis. He will be missed by many. May he Rest In Peace and I will keep you in my prayers.

Reply

David Lemense

September 19, 2020 at 8:45 am

Dennis has always been one of my heroes throughout the years! He always had a song in his heart and an intelligent opinion in his head! Country Manor Music Store, wouldn’t have been the same place without him and he will be sorely missed! Much love always, Brother!

Reply

Sue Cinka

September 19, 2020 at 10:03 am

I say again a light has gone out in this world

Dennis did leave behind a glimmer that will be seen as Cory and Layla go forward in this world.

Dennis Nelson you will be missed more than you could ever imagine

Love to all of your people…..

Reply

Nicole Knowlton

September 19, 2020 at 11:04 am

I’m so sorry praying for your family

Reply

Sally Thaxton Betzner

September 19, 2020 at 11:40 am

Am so saddened. For his family.

Reply

Dave Jones

September 19, 2020 at 12:43 pm

I met Dennis at KVCC where he was an outspoken (to say the least) columnist and enjoyed our years playing the blues together.

Dennis was my friend and I’ll always remember him with great happiness.

Sincere condolences to his family. He’ll be greatly missed.

Reply

Beth (Evink) Ronfeldt

September 19, 2020 at 2:17 pm

Joyce: Words wouldn’t be enough to express how sorry I am for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family. You have my deepest sympathies.

Reply

Ron & Gail (Foster) Tutewiler

September 19, 2020 at 4:47 pm

So sorry to hear about Dennis. Haven’t seen him in years but he was always fun and a great musician. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Reply

Tom Young

September 19, 2020 at 7:21 pm

So sorry,

We lost another Plainwell legend.

Reply

Linda Glaz

September 19, 2020 at 7:28 pm

So sorry to hear about Dennis. Well-deserved rest!!!

Reply

rohlfs

September 19, 2020 at 7:33 pm

So sorry for you loss!

Reply

Donna

September 19, 2020 at 8:17 pm

RI P DENNY YOU WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY. GREAT MEMORIES OF YOU AND THE HARMONICA. SO SORRY JOYCE AND CORY. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

Reply

Mary Steele

September 19, 2020 at 8:29 pm

Always enjoyed listening to the Nelson Brothers music. Thanks for the memories. RIP Dennis. Prayers for the family.

Reply

woody Myland

September 19, 2020 at 11:49 pm

rest in peace Dennis sunset in our world is sunrise in Heaven

Reply

Terry Shook

September 20, 2020 at 6:06 am

I grew up with these boys! Always very nice & funny. Denny had a smile that would knock you over. Always. I’m so sorry for your loss. R.I.P. Dennis

Reply

Tim and Marcia Quigley

September 20, 2020 at 8:04 am

Dear Craig, Kathy, and brothers and family,

We were very sad to hear of Dennis’ passing. We send our love and prayers to you.

My faith tells me that he is now an Angel in Heaven; there is beautiful music and laughter there! Hold onto your memories!

Reply

Henry

September 20, 2020 at 12:23 pm

So sorry for you loss thoughts and prayers for the family

Reply

Susie Knapp

September 20, 2020 at 1:12 pm

Many memories of nelson brothers band and denny playin his harmonica-those were the good old days-sorry for your loss nelson family

Reply

mary smith

September 20, 2020 at 2:07 pm

Sorry for your loss

Reply

Annie Motto

September 20, 2020 at 3:22 pm

My deepest condolences and empathy for the many loved ones left behind. Denny you connected me to so many beautiful and creative spirits . I’m fortunate to have known you. I can’t hear a harp without a fleeting image of you playing at the Otsego Inn with Curt, Buck and Tim. Rest peacefully.

Reply

Sue

September 24, 2020 at 3:47 pm

Wondered if you’d see this.

Glad you did

Reply

Annie

September 25, 2020 at 7:20 pm

Heart wrenching and difficult to imagine.

Reply

Sue

September 26, 2020 at 9:46 am

Can be reached via messenger

Reply

Linda Jacobs

September 20, 2020 at 6:46 pm

Joyce and Cory, we were so sorry to hear about Dennis. Tim has so many wonderful memories of playing music with Dennis over the years.

Tim and Linda Jacobs

Reply

TinaAllen-Wilson

September 20, 2020 at 9:12 pm

My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved him, family, friends. Many evenings spent listening to his wonderful music and many great conversations were had by all. Rest in heaven Denny.

Reply

Patti Vote Stephen's Rybicki

September 21, 2020 at 12:42 am

Joyce, Cory & family We are saddened to hear about Dennis What a wonderful husband father and grandpa besides being so talented. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs

Reply

Patricia Rybicki

September 21, 2020 at 9:17 am

Joyce,Cory & Family My heart aches for your loss. Denny was one hell of a guy, wonderful husband father grandpa. PRAYERS & HUGS

Reply

Patricia Rybicki

September 21, 2020 at 9:17 am

Joyce,Cory & Family My heart aches for your loss. Denny was one hell of a guy, wonderful husband father grandpa. PRAYERS & HUGS

Reply

Ken Coburn

September 21, 2020 at 10:04 am

My childhood years were filled with playing with the Nelson brothers. Seems long ago but only yesterday. So sorry for your brother’s passing, stay close and always love one and all. Ken Coburn

Reply

Jo golden

September 21, 2020 at 11:16 am

I am so sorry To hear this Dennis was a wonderful person with a great talent He will be missed May God-bless

Reply

Rich and Starr Adams

September 21, 2020 at 5:50 pm

Joyce and family we are truly sorry to hear of Denny’s passing our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cant tell you how happy he made people with his gift of music we loved listening to him. Joyce may Angel’s be with you during this hard time. And know you are loved by many. Hugs,

Rich and Starr Adams

Reply

Shirley Foster

September 21, 2020 at 6:05 pm

Healing to the hearts of all Dennis’s family & friends, there are a lot of us. May you realize that his light continues when you feel his hand on your shoulder, hear him whisper in the wind, hear his harmonica, or hear his laughter bringing you comfort. ♥♥

Reply

Cindy-Fuller-Pachner

September 22, 2020 at 10:00 am

Joyce so sorry for your loss, so sad that we are at the age that we loose so many people close to us. My prayers are with you and your family.

Reply

Tim and Kandie Perry

September 22, 2020 at 12:04 pm

So sorry to hear this. This has been a crazy year with all of our losses too, Thinking of you Joyce and hang in there and be strong,

Reply

Deb LaBelle

September 25, 2020 at 3:02 pm

Dennis was such an amazing human being. I think I was maybe seven years old when I figured out – if you want someone to tell you the truth, ask Dennis. He was my hero from that moment on. Dennis was smart, kind, hilarious and so talented. He will be dearly missed. Rest easy Dennis.

Reply

Judy

September 26, 2020 at 8:04 am

Dear Joyce, Cory and Family,

So sorry for your loss.

R.I.P. Dennis

Reply

Jim Weekes

October 2, 2020 at 1:34 pm

Dearest Joyce and Cory. I am so sorry to hear of Dennis passing. I enjoyed our relationship while we attended school in Plainwell. Although we lived in different parts of the country, we always made it a point to stay in touch and reminisce….

Reply

Leave a Condolence

Cancel reply

Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

*

Comment

*

Name

*

Email

*

Δ

Obituary Notification Service

Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:

Search Obituaries

How do I send a condolence

At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.

Share This Obituary

Your Name

*

Your Email

*

Their Name

*

Their Email

*

Message

CAPTCHA

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

Guestbook

Visits: 6

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors