Dr. Merlin A. Nelson, 86, of Iron Mountain, passed away Friday, May 29, 2015, at St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay.

He was born on September 12, 1928, in Breitung Twp., son of the late Donald and Margaret (Kelly) Nelson.

Merlin grew up in Kingsford and graduated from Kingsford High School, Class of 1946. He went on to attend Michigan State University, where he graduated Cum Laude with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Merlin started with the Foot and Mouth Disease Eradication Program in Mexico. Merlin spent two years serving in the United States Army with the Veterinary Corp. He married Shirley McDade on February 11, 1956, in Indianapolis, Ind. Merlin enjoyed a private practice for a period of time, and then commenced his career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a poultry inspector in Johnny Creek, Wis.

He held several postings, advancing to director in areas relating to food inspection and ended his career in Washington D.C. as the second highest official in the Meat and Poultry Inspection Service. Merlin received two Certificate of Merit Awards during his 37 year career.

Merlin was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iron Mountain. He enjoyed going to the family camp and playing Bocce Ball.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley; three sons, Patrick (Catherine) Nelson, Orlando, Fla., Timothy (Helen) Nelson, Sharpsburg, Md. And Kenneth (Laura) Nelson, Colorado Springs, Colo.; one brother, Allen (Mary) Nelson, Harbor Springs, Mich.; four sisters, Alice Brown, Wauwatosa, Wis., Carol Trautner, Harland, Wis., Norma Scolatti, Des Moines, Iowa and Patricia (Dein) Nolf, Lake Orion, Mich.; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 4, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iron Mountain. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, 11:00 a.m. at the church. Rev. Fr. Daniel Zaloga will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain.

Memorials can be made to the Donald E & Margaret L Nelson Scholarship Fund in Merlin’s memory.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain to honor Merlin’s Legacy of Life.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Merlin or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com