Michael A. Nelson, 75, of El Dorado, Kansas, went home to be with his beloved wife, son, and Heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
Michael was born on November 27, 1950, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Arvid A. Nelson and Jossie A. (Kuperus) Nelson. He graduated from Willmar Senior High School before following his adventurous spirit west to Montana. There, he fell in love with the beauty of the land and its people while earning his degree in Criminal Justice. After four years in Montana, Michael moved to Kansas, where he earned his master's degree.
While living in Hutchinson, Kansas, Michael met the love of his life, Marilyn. The two were married on May 21, 1977, beginning a marriage built on love, dedication, and family. Together they welcomed their sons, Joel, Brian and Bradley.
Michael's career in corrections started and led the family to Ellsworth, Kansas, where he became the first Warden of the Ellsworth Correctional Facility. He had the honor of overseeing the construction, opening, and operation of the prison. His exceptional leadership earned him another opportunity to oversee the development and opening of the El Dorado Correctional Facility.
El Dorado became the family's forever home. Michael served as Warden of the El Dorado Correctional Facility until his retirement in 2001. Throughout his distinguished career, he earned the respect of colleagues, law enforcement professionals, and countless members of the community through his integrity, fairness, and unwavering commitment to public service.
Retirement allowed Michael to devote more time to what mattered most—his wife, his sons, and later, his grandchildren. He loved spending quiet days fishing, especially with his youngest son, Bradley, and took great pride in maintaining what many would say was the best lawn in the neighborhood.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Arvid A. Nelson and Jossie A. (Kuperus) Nelson; his beloved wife, Marilyn Nelson; his son, Joel Nelson; his sister, Elaine Miller; and his granddaughters, Emmalynn Nelson and Brooklynn Nelson.
He is survived by his sons, Brian Nelson and his wife, Ashlee, of El Dorado, Kansas, and Bradley Nelson; his grandchildren, Pamela, Danny Anderson, Maci-Lynn, Jordan, Conner, and Laci; his cherished great-granddaughter, Lillian; his sister, Bonnie, his brothers, Dennis, Douglas, Bradley, and Mark Nelson, along with many extended family members, dear friends, and those whose lives were touched by his kindness and leadership.
Michael will be remembered as a respected law enforcement leader, a pillar of the community, a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather,
a caring brother, and a loyal friend. His quiet strength, wisdom, sense of duty, and deep love for his family will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Though our hearts are heavy with his passing, we find comfort in knowing he has been reunited with Marilyn, Joel, and all those who went before him. We pray he rests in eternal peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS, with Pastor Jerry Stokely officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral chapel. A private family burial will take place at Fairlawn Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Paradigm Services, Inc. and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.