Age 68, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2003.  He was born on August 25, 1934 the son of Chris and Pearl (Comstock) Niles and was raised by Harry and Geneva Miller.  Mr. Nelson worked for the Ionia County Road Commission for 34 years before retiring in 1992 and also farmed an additional 3 years.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He was a Veteran of Korea, serving in the United States Army and a member of the Sheridan VFW Post #5065.  He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cindy; grandson, Travis Akins; 3 sisters, Lillian Brown, Mary Bodman, and Esther Longdike; 2 brothers, Richard Nielson and Russell Nielson.  Surviving are his wife of 20 years, Della M. Nelson of Ionia; 3 children, Harold (Gidget) Nelson of Mt. Pleasant, Kimberly (John) Balice of Jackson, and Bryan Nelson of Vestaburg; 9 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; best friends, John Hauge and Mark Chelebek; 6 step children, Karen (Bill) Monhay of Three Rivers, Teresa (Steve) Springstead of Fruitport, Sandy Graham of Six Lakes, Pam Lake of Belding, Brian (Missy) Graham of Grand Rapids, and Rodney Goodin of Ionia; 11 step grandchildren; 2 step great grandchildren; brother, William (Greta) Nielson of Ionia; several nieces and nephews.  The Funeral Service will be conducted by the Rev. Kenneth Harger, Pastor of Shiloh Community Church at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2003 at the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Cook Chapel, 220 Rich Street, Ionia with interment following at Easton Cemetery.  Military Honors will be provided by the Sheridan VFW Post #5065.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4 and 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday.  For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Ionia Area Hospice in memory of Harold D. Nelson.  On Line Condolences may be made at www.schraubenlehman.com.