Russell Conrad Nelson Jr.

Born and raised in suburban Detroit, MI, to Leona and Russell Nelson, Russ graduated from Redford Union High School, class of 1961. He spent idyllic summers with relatives in North Branch, Minnesota.

An accomplished athlete, Russ played baseball professionally, then attended Northern Michigan University, and in 1968 was an honored soldier in the Michigan Army National Guard. Russ met and married Janis Firestone in 1970; they moved to Columbus, OH, where their beloved son Russell III (R.C.) was born.

Russ’ career in marketing and finance culminated in retirement from Schottenstein’s Stores Corporation. Concurrently, Russ coached youth sports in the northwest Columbus area and was an active and devout, thirty-year member of Linworth United Methodist Church. Ever the gentleman, Russ delighted in his post-retirement time playing golf with treasured friends, walking family dogs, and ushering at Columbus Clippers games. He was a member of American Legion Post 239 and New Albany United Methodist Church.

Toward the end of Russ’ ten-year journey through Alzheimer’s Disease, he was faithfully attended by wife Jan, son R.C., and loving caregivers from Mt. Carmel Home Hospice Care.

Predeceased by his parents and his sister Nancy, Russ is survived by a sister, Mary Lou (Gary) Lamont of Rochester Hills, MI, special sister-in-law, Joanna Firestone, and dear nieces, nephews, and cousins.

No public services are planned at this time.