Obituary: Randall Arnold Nelson September 3, 1926 – September 19, 2026 Randall Arnold Nelson of Jacksonport and Ephraim passed away on the sixteenth day of his 101st year. Randall was born on September 3, 1926, in the rural Sister Bay farmhouse of Arnold and Maimie (Hedeen) Nelson. A midwife assisted at his birth in the very same room where his mother had been born. Randall grew up on the family farm, where the family farmed with horses until he was 12 years old. That year, they acquired their first Allis-Chalmers tractor—a tractor Randall kept throughout his life, and which still sits in his metal building and runs today. He enjoyed working off the farm during cherry season to earn extra money and was known as a very fast picker. Because workers were paid by the pail, Randall was able to save enough one year to buy himself a motorcycle. He was raised as a member of the Sister Bay Baptist Church and attended Appleport School, just a mile from home, before graduating from Gibraltar High School in Fish Creek. After growing up on the family farm, Ranny joined the Merchant Marine. His service was cut short when he contracted Rheumatic Fever and was sent home to recover. Ranny was later drafted into the Army and served 2 years in post WWII Germany. His leadership qualities were soon recognized, and he attained the rank of Master Sargent before the end of his service. Following his service, he returned to northern Door County, where he would spend the remainder of his long and remarkable life. On November 13, 1954, he married Ruth Herlache of Sturgeon Bay. Together they raised five children: Timothy (Kristy), William (Christine), James (Brenda), David (Jolynn), and Paula (Steve Maddison). Known to everyone as "Ranny," he and Ruth built several successful Door County businesses, including Randall Nelson Construction, South Shore Pier boat rentals and tours, and the Ephraim Shores Motel and Restaurant. Through his business endeavors, Ranny formed bonds that extended far beyond work; several individuals who started out as his employees—Roger Johnson (who preceded him in death), John Meacham, and Lana Hall—came to mean much more than that to him over the years. Throughout his century of life, Ranny was also blessed with deep, enduring friendships. He was preceded in death by his longtime friends Jake Kodanko, Bud Evenson, and Don Diekman, and is survived by his dear friend Glenn Gerdman. Following the death of his wife Ruth, Randall married his second wife, Kris Husby, on October 11, 2006. Ranny's children would like to thank Kris for providing their father with companionship and hosting family get-togethers, large and small, for more than 20 years. They especially want to thank her for the loving care she provided him during these past few years, when age finally began to take its toll on him. Her devotion, kindness, and care meant so much to Ranny and to his family. Ranny was a gifted carpenter, woodsman, and backhoe operator. He held a captain's license and was always willing to share his time, knowledge, and skills with others, often helping simply because someone needed a hand. He remained active and adventurous throughout his life. An avid traveler and downhill skier, he stayed on the slopes well into his 80s, once expressing shock that his legs were tired after a day of skiing at Lake Tahoe at age 88. Despite never learning to swim, he loved waterskiing, windsurfing, and iceboating. He broke through the ice several times over the years but always managed to make it safely back to shore. He also enjoyed restoring antique cars, completing two restorations while having four others in progress. Ranny lived a wonderfully long, active, and adventurous life. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. He is survived by: • Wife: Kris Husby-Nelson • Children: Timothy (Kristy) Nelson, William (Christine) Nelson, James (Brenda) Nelson, David (Jolynn) Nelson, and Paula (Steve Maddison) • Grandchildren: Aja, Alissa, Cole, Cali, Amber, Jackie, Kyle, Sophie, Andrea, Ainsley, Reece, Sadie, and Conner • Great-Grandchildren: 14 great-grandchildren (with a 15th due in February) • Ruth's Siblings: Dr. John Herlache and Tom Herlache • Kris's Siblings: Dorothy Treptow, Kathie Pelow, Susan Eleazer, Fred Boettcher, and Doug Boettcher He is preceded in death by: • First Wife: Ruth (Herlache) Nelson • Stepson: Mark D. Husby • Parents: Arnold and Maimie (Hedeen) Nelson • Sisters: Dona Pritchett and Iris Lappe • Ruth's Siblings: Bunny Williams, Mary Herlache, and Ralph Herlache A memorial service will be held at Ephraim Moravian Church, where Ranny was a member for the past 72 years, on November 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Door CANcer Inc.