Obituary of Nelson Elery Laginess

Nelson Elery Laginess was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 30, 1964. He was the youngest child and only son born from the union of Lawrence and Doris (Strait) Laginess. Nelson was a graduate of River Rouge High School in River Rouge, Michigan.   A talented carpenter, he was a member of the Carpenter’s Union Local 687 for more than thirty years before retiring in 2020. Not one to stay idle, he continued to utilize his carpentry skills in remodeling and landscaping his home.

Nelson had a deep appreciation for the Great Outdoors. He took every opportunity to go fishing and boating on Lake Erie and often visited Torch Lake in Northern Michigan.   He spent countless hours at family’s property in Kalkaska, Michigan where he enjoyed deer hunting back in the day.   He recently set to work renovating the cabin to ensure his grandsons could create the same memories he had as a child.   Summer was Nelson’s favorite time of the year.   He could often be found relaxing in his pool or cruising around on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.   Come winter, Nelson escaped the ice and snow to his home in Florida.

Cooking was one of Nelson’s greatest passions. He frequently cooked Mexican meals and undoubtedly made the best biscuits and gravy. He loved to entertain and had an elaborate restaurant-style grill set up in his backyard.   A great storyteller, he loved to make people laugh.   With a kind and generous nature, Nelson was truly a kid at heart.   There were times, on Thanksgiving, Nelson, declined his family’s invitation to dinner to volunteer for Meals on Wheels alongside his best friend.   An animal lover, he took in many cats and dogs in need of a home and treated them like a member of the family.

Nelson Elery Laginess, age 57, of Erie, Michigan passed away peacefully on Saturday; December 4, 2021.   His passing was preceded by his parents and beloved canine companion: “Sammy”, a black lab.

To cherish his memory, he leaves two daughters:  Natasha (Jonathan) Rusu and Nicole (Christopher) Gutenschwager; grandchildren: John David Gutenschwager, Benjamin Gutenschwager, and Roman Rusu; four sisters: Debbie Laginess, Barbara Laginess, Cheryl (Tom) Lucas, and Lori Laginess; two best friends: Mike Korczyk and Jaime Cothran; his canine companion: “Diesel”, a black lab; and feline friend: “Suki”.

A Celebration of Nelson’s Life will take place at a later date. Nelson’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199.  Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie.

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