Arlene Ruth Nelson

Arlene Ruth (Kemmler) Nelson, 91, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2025, after several years with vascular dementia. She will be remembered as a savvy businesswoman, a resourceful homemaker, and a loving mother and grandmother. Born in Chicago on August 15, 1934, to Junius and Ruth (Johnson) Kemmler, Arlene grew up with her siblings, Nanette (Bode) and Charles “Chuck.” She studied home economics at Michigan State University, where she met her husband, Wesley Vern Nelson. The couple married in 1954 and moved to Oklahoma while Wes served in the U.S. Air Force, and Arlene completed her degree at the University of Oklahoma. Upon returning to Traverse City, they joined the family business, Nelson’s Cloverdale Dairy. Soon after, as a personal endeavor, Wes and Arlene disregarded skeptics and purchased Hillcrest (also known as the Pratt or Rennie House), an iconic Victorian estate on the west side of town which had fallen into disrepair. Together, they devoted themselves to restoring the home, bringing it back to life room by room, side by side. In addition to raising three children there, Arlene opened Hillcrest’s spare rooms to aspiring artists and actors, doctors completing their residencies, international exchange students, and other young people. They often benefited from her home-cooked meals and generous servings of practical wisdom. Wes and Arlene treasured the lifelong friendships that resulted. Her keen eye for detail and strong financial management contributed to the success of several family businesses, including Nelson’s Cloverdale Dairy, Elmbrook Golf Course, and Nelson V&A. In 1984, the Nelson family proudly represented Traverse City when it was named an All-American City. Wes and Arlene were later honored with the Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award in 2010. Arlene gave generously of her time as a volunteer with the school sports boosters, the National Cherry Festival, the Munson Auxiliary, Boy Scouts of America, and other community organizations. She mentored many young people and supported women in business through her involvement with Zonta, an international service club dedicated to advancing the status of women. In her spare time, Arlene enjoyed gardening, knitting, ballroom dancing, and camping. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings and her beloved husband, Wes. Arlene is survived by her children, Darryl (Cathy) Nelson, Kevin Nelson (Kathy Life), and Karen Nelson (John Aldrich); grandchildren and great-grandchildren, both birth and by relationship: Emily (Nate) Moyer, Wesley Nelson (Mailani Neal), Andrew Nelson, Collin (Angelica) Nelson with children Sophie and Atlas, Leah Aldrich (Lauren Rockel) with son Callen; Cali (Jarret) Van Skyhock with children Phoenix and Jaya; and Lily Fitch. Memorial contributions may be made to the Zonta - Ann Mapes Scholarship Fund to support area women pursuing a career in business or science. A celebration of Arlene’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Dave Guy officiating. A light meal will be served immediately after the service. Visitation will be offered Friday, 4:00-6:00 p.m., and from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Arlene Ruth Nelson

August 15, 1934 - September 26, 2025