Nels Northup Obituary

Nels J. Northup, 75, of Boyne Falls, passed away July 2, 2014, following a long battle with a rare form of skin cancer. Nels was born, the second of twins, in Boyne City, July 3, 1938, the son of Edna M. (Inman) and Murray L. Northup Sr.

Nels graduated from Boyne City High School in 1956, and then attended Michigan State University and Central Michigan University where he graduated with a degree in History and Mathematics, with a certification in secondary education. He later earned his Master's degree in counseling. Nels taught in Harrison for two years before settling in Gladwin where he taught, counseled, instructed Driver's Education and coached football for 36 years.

Nels was a member of the United Methodist Church in Gladwin until 1999, and Christ Lutheran Church in Boyne City, thereafter where he served as an elder. He was a member of the Lions Club for many years, serving in both Gladwin and Boyne City, and held a number of positions including secretary, treasurer and president among others. He was a member of the Board of Review in Boyne Falls and Council on Aging in Boyne City. In 1999, Nels was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coach's Hall of Fame and later the Boyne City High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

Nels could be heard saying, "I am so lucky. I got to marry the love of my life twice." Nels married Linda Lee Bricker Aug. 30, 1958 in Boyne City. She preceded him in death in 1998. He then married Louisa Ann Taylor in 1999. They moved to Boyne Falls in God's country shortly thereafter, and spent 15 happily married years together.

Nels is survived by his loving wife; five daughters, Kathryn Taylor-Gross (Evansville, Ind.), Kimberly Taylor Martin (Grand Rapids), Lynnell (Dennis) Wakley (Lyons), Lori (Bill) Bailey (Alto) and Jennifer (Tony) Witer (Anna, Ohio); 14 grandchildren; 7 great- grandchildren; in-laws, Roy and Leone (Bricker) Dewing (Albuquerque, N.M.); brothers, Murray L. (Jan) Northup Jr. (Midland), William (Barb) Northup (Spring Hill, Fla.), Michael Northup (Sterling Heights), Kenneth C. (Lena) May (Brandenburg, Ky.); brother-in-law, John (Carlene) Bricker (Broomfield, Colo.); and sister-in-law, Marvene May.

Nels was also preceded in death by his sister, Nancy L Northup; and his brother, Richard May.

Funeral services will be conducted July 19, 2014, with an 11 a.m. service at Christ Lutheran Church, 1250 Boyne Avenue in Boyne City, Mich. A luncheon will be offered following the funeral. A Celebration of Life Memorial will follow at 1 p.m., and will provide an opportunity to share experiences and memories of Nels's life, his career, interactions in the classroom and behind the wheel, and the many memories with his football players, both on and off the field. Carl Charon, a long-time friend and colleague, has graciously offered to speak. This promises to be meaningful as we pay tribute to the man who made such a difference in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or Lions Club International by way of Boyne Valley Lions Club, P.O. Box 451, Boyne City, Mich., 49712.

Published by Midland Daily News on Jul. 15, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Nels Northup

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Nels Northup's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Nels Northup

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Nels's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Nels Northup's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more