Derec Allen Nelson

Derec Allen Nelson, 26, of Escanaba, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 17, 2025 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
He was born on May 25, 1999 in Fort Riley, Kansas, son to Craig L. Nelson and Valerie A. Nelson. Derec was raised in Escanaba and attended Escanaba Schools. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing hockey and was amazing to watch on the rink.
On December 14, 2024, Derec married Lauren Nelson in Escanaba.
Derec obtained his welding certificate from Bay De Noc Community College and worked as an apprentice for the Local 8. He was a very proud Ironworker and worked very hard, always striving to be the best he could be.
He had a passion for the outdoors and loved fishing and hunting. Derec had an enthusiasm for gaming with his friends on his PC and that was always a favorite pastime. He cherished time spent with his family and friends.
Among survivors include his wife, Lauren; children, Eliza Nelson and her mother, Lauren Fiore, Axle Aho, and Asher Nelson; mother, Valerie Nelson of Escanaba; father, Craig Nelson; siblings, Brenden Davis, Timothy Johnson, and Lucas Nelson all of Escanaba; grandparents, Rita and Reynold Nelson; Aunts and Uncles, Anna Kositzke, Cory (Dawn) Nelson, and Chris Kimpel; and sister-in-law, Taylor (Kolby) Houlton.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Judy and Roy Djerf and William Nelson.
Visitation will be on Monday, October 27th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Lewis Hague officiating.
Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to assist the family with the unexpected expenses by going to www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net and using the Tribute Fund Tab.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Derec, please visit our floral store. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Derec Allen Nelson, please visit the Tribute Fund.