Ernst Nelson (Lansing)

Ernst Nelson went to his Heavenly Home on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Sparrow Healthcare System in Lansing, Michigan, at age 53 years. He was born in Ti Riviere, L’Artibonite, Haiti on November 27, 1967, the son of Jerome Nelson and Filancia Jerome.

Ernst went to the G.O.C. Université, where he earned the equivalent of a Doctorate in civil engineering from Haiti. In Michigan, Ernst earned a BA at Western Michigan University and 3 associate degrees from Lansing Community College. Ernst worked at the Michigan Department of Transportation for over 11 years. He also worked for Independent Village in Grand Ledge as a chef.

Ernst was a passionate man of faith who loved his family, his home country of Haiti, and his many friends. He believed that no matter where you came from, education could change your life. In fact, his was a multiple-degree family with all of his children have graduated with no less than Associate Degrees, some with multiple master’s degrees, and each one still attending a college of their choice. He loved to help others. Ernst helped out in his community, church, school district, police department, and at various local functions. Ernst loved to cook. He even won the chili cook-off contest at Grandhaven Living Center in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Ernst’s laughter and smiles would light up any room.

Ernst is survived by his father, Jerome Nelson; wife of over 20 years, Lanna Nelson; 4 sons, Dikernst (wife, Jiyoung) of Clarksville, Tennessee, Ernst “Junior” of Atlanta, Georgia, Jean of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Tom of Lansing, Michigan; daughter, Farah (husband, Brad) McGill of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan; granddaughters, Roselande and Clarice; grandsons, Cairo, and Chase; siblings in Haiti, sisters, Nicole, Wislande, and Scheilla; brothers, Jean, Tassy, and Fritznel.

He was predeceased by his mother, Filancia Jerome in May of 2005.