Nelson Thomas Stapleton

Nelson Thomas Stapleton

Hemlock, MI

  Passed away Monday, July 10, 2023, at his home, surrounded by family. Age 74 years.

  The son of the late Patricia (Bates) and Robert Stapleton was born March 2, 1949, in Saginaw, Michigan.  He married his High School sweetheart, Mary Anne Francis, July 18, 1970. His wife of 52 years survives him.  Nelson graduated from Hemlock High School, Class of 1967, where he played football, basketball, and track.  He graduated from Central Michigan University, in 1971, majoring in biology, chemistry and a minor in sociology.  He became President of Stapleton’s Inc. with the passing of his father in 1981.  Working at Stapleton’s was his second favorite passion. It was not unusual to see Nelson’s truck at work anytime of the day or night any day of the week. He was always “taking care of business” and others.  His favorite passion was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He attended their dance recitals, volleyball, softball, football, soccer games, fishing and target practicing. He taught them how to water ski, drive boats and Sea Doo’s at Torch Lake. Trips to the Sandbar were frequent at the request of the grandkids, despite the fact that he would prefer a trip to Deep Water Point.

   Surviving besides his wife, Mary Anne, are his children,  Krista and Jeremy Zehnder, Freeland, MI. and their children, Emersyn, Brennyn and Beckett; Heather Stapleton, Hemlock, MI. and her children, Austin and Sage; Blake and Holly Stapleton, Frankenmuth, MI and their children, Carter and Luke;  His siblings and their spouses,  Martha and Damien Henning, Alanson, MI; Jay and Mary Stapleton, Hemlock, MI; Mary Jo Stapleton, Hemlock MI; Beth and Roger Daughty, Reed City, MI; his mother-in-law, Joy Francis; a sister-in-law, Sally and Don Hooks, Breckenridge, MI. many nieces, nephews and other relatives.  He was predeceased by an infant son, his parents, a brother, John Scott Stapleton, and his father-in-law, John Francis.

     The funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 14, 2023, at St. John XXIII, St. Mary in Hemlock, 151 St. Mary Drive, Hemlock, MI 48626; Rev. Robert Byrne will officiate with burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Hemlock. Friends may visit with family at the W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel, 201 N. Miller Rd. from 3:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday and then on Friday at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral liturgy. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Michigan, 3 International Drive, Suite 200. Rye Brook, NY, 10573 or the charity of their choice.  www.casefuneralhome.com