Michael Preston Nelson

December 9, 1975 – January 28, 2025

With great sorrow and immense love, we announce the passing of Michael Preston Nelson, a devoted and fun loving personality who left this world too early on January 28, 2025, at the age of 49.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Michael eventually returned to the desert building a life full of laughter, adventure, and fierce devotion to those he cared about. Standing tall at 6’3”, he was a gentle giant—known affectionately as a “giant teddy bear.” His warm spirit, big heart, and ever-present sense of humor made him a constant source of comfort, joy, and security for everyone around him.

Michael shared just shy of 21 beautiful years with his beloved wife Angela, whom he met through the "Mix and Match" line, a phone dating line for all radio stations in the Phoenix valley. Their whirlwind romance began on April 3, 2004, via phone, followed by a 12.5 hour first date the very next day. Angela ended up in the ER with heart palpitations within the first two days of meeting Michael. He often joked that Angela was in the hospital first from meeting him. Their love story was built on laughter, love, and a genuine admiration for one another.

Together they gave to the community by participating in a local pee-wee football team even before they had children. He became an assistant coach passing on his knowledge and love of playing football in his younger years. He and his family have remained connected with some of the parents and boys—now grown men—whose lives he helped shape all before he became a parent himself.

Together, Michael and Angela welcomed their daughter Aurora in July of 2008. Aurora was the light of his life and his proudest accomplishment. Michael adored being a father and treasured every moment spent cheering her on, whether on the softball field, poolside, or for numerous other important milestones in her life.

Michael was a child at heart, never letting go of the joy and imagination of youth. He taught everyone to always remember to play and not let life get too serious despite the situations he and others around him were facing. Michael battled with his body for a long time yet he remained positive and full of life. Even while rolling off to the OR for amputation of his right pinky, he joked, “Just call me 9-Finger Nelson.” His resilience and sense of humor never faded.

He was a man of many passions: First and foremost he was an airplane enthusiast always taking his family and friends to the nearest air museum or air show. This passion began early in life because of his childhood home being in Dayton, OH where the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is located. He was also an avid Transformers collector, builder and operator of RC cars and airplanes, a lover of action movies, and of course all things Star Wars. He even taught himself to fly airplanes virtually through Digital Combat Simulator in his “cockpit” he built in his home office.

Michael was a talented researcher and trip planner, always ensuring all travel plans were well thought out and planned to a tee. He loved adventuring with his family and friends, especially their camping adventures across Arizona, California, and Utah. Always the careful protector behind the wheel and getting everyone safely to the intended destination.

Professionally, Michael worked as a Resolution Specialist at Achieve Financial and held certifications in pharmacy tech, armed security, and rescue diving. Earlier in life, he served as a security guard in Ohio, where allegedly he courageously took a bullet to protect a local lady news reporter who was being stalked—although this story has never been confirmed outside of his statements. Leaving one more treasure of wonder if this is true or just a Michael Nelson story. He was the true embodiment of a hero to many and a forever protector. His bravery and protective nature was evident even in High School. Michael got suspended twice for taking action against boys that were being rough with girls in his presence. He was a caretaker through and through—he made sure he always walked or rolled in his wheelchair on the outside of the sidewalk protecting whoever he was with, just one of the countless small acts that showed his endless love and protection.

Michael loved his birthday and Christmas as they were not far apart. He always participated in the traditions of decorating the house inside and out, Christmas Eve hamburgers and milkshakes, and buying himself and others gifts. He enjoyed setting up surprises and seeing the reaction of those receiving his gifts. His favorite ice cream was Rocky Road. He loved anything Boston Cream Pie flavored including donuts from Bosa and pineapple upside down cake. His “coffee” in the morning was Diet Mountain Dew and he especially loved pizza. He also enjoyed making his famous homemade chili with the family and taught Aurora how to make spaghetti sauce of which she makes better now than he did.

He had a deep appreciation for music—his playlists spanned everything from Phil Collins to Rascal Flatts. His Spotify playlist he built over the years was over 800 songs so that everyone on the adventure would have something they liked to hear. He liked to say the song “I’m Still Standing” from the movie Sing, sung by the character Johnny (A big friendly Gorilla), was his anthem. He loved watching movies and owned so many he would joke we will be the next BlockBuster if anything ever happened to the internet. He was often found listening to Reddit stories about “Karens”, watching old westerns, and supporting the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks. He enjoyed watching live and recorded comedies by Fluffy, Jeff Dunham, Brad Williams, and many more.

Michael leaves behind his beloved family: wife Angela Nelson; daughter Aurora Nelson; mother Carol Nelson; cousin-sister Jamie Talmage; their treasured dog Toffee; his loving in-laws Gordy and Hazel Bay; brother-in-law Chris Bay; and many other living relatives. He was preceded in death by his Aunt Gail and Uncle Jim Talmage; his cherished cousin Jon Nelson; Father Gary Nelson; all of his maternal and paternal grandparents; and many more family members. He has now been reunited with his adored dogs Tucker and Sophie and other childhood pets.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in honor of Michael’s life to a local shelter, Foundation, or organ donation program of choice.

A celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks at a location, date, and time to be announced.

Michael believed in the Force. He always said that when he passed, he’d become ONE WITH THE FORCE. Now, we imagine him among the stars, watching over those he loved with that bright smile and familiar sparkle in his eye—and probably a Diet Mountain Dew in hand.

"May the Force be with you, always."

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