Mike Nelson, 74, of Centralia, Wash., passed away at 10:15 p.m., March 9, 2019, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Glendale, Calif., Jan 3, 1946, to the late Clyde and Pauline Nelson.
After graduating from high school, Mike attended police academy, after which he went on to serve as an officer with the California Highway Patrol. Six years later, Mike moved to Nampa, Idaho, where he was an officer with the Nampa Police Department from 1972 to 1973. Mike then continued his career with the Centralia Police Department from 1974 to his retirement in 1992.
He received the Officer of the Year Award in 1981, from Centralia P.D. He held three titles during his time with the agency: Patrolman, Detective and finally, Sergeant. He also received an award for his mentorship and contribution to the Reserve Police Academy. After retiring from the department, he went on to manage various convenient stores before finding his place at another job that he loved, serving as a bus monitor for Centralia-Chehalis Bus Co-Op. He received two Bus Monitor of the Year Awards during his time there.
Mike enjoyed camping, NASCAR, Seahawks football, and collecting memorabilia. He also loved spending time with his family and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his stepson, Mitchell Galster; and son-in-law, Craig Huffman.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty Nelson; daughters, Tammy Grant (Curtis) of Charleston, S.C., and Deanne Ashmore (Kim) of Centralia; step-daughter, Samantha Huffman of Centralia; grandchildren, Michael, Erica, Brady, Mariyah, Taylor and Violet; great-grandchildren, Anthonio and Eamon; his two brothers, Dennis (Bonnie) Nelson and Darryl (Lori) Nelson; nephew, Wayne Nelson; and the mother of his daughters, Robbie Winter Lieske of Napavine, Wash.
We would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Osborne and his team, and to the staff at Providence Centralia Hospital.
Sgt. Mike’s celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold St., Centralia, WA 98531. A potluck luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of cards or flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
