Leo James Nelkie of Tawas Township passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 22, 2014, age 90 years. Leo was born on April 25, 1923 in Tawas Township to Frank A. and Mary Ann (Blust) Nelkie. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in Tawas City, Class of 1941. Soon after high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served our country during World War II as a drill sergeant. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned back to Tawas where he began his long career as a milk man for Nelkie Dairy. Leo married his wife and best friend, Donna Mae (Bischoff) on Oct. 24, 1959 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. He will always be remembered for his enjoyment of the outdoors spending time gardening and farming. He was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and going to play bingo with his wife and friends. Above all, he truly adored and cherished his two granddaughters. Leo was an active parishioner at the Holy Family Catholic Church and a member of the East Tawas Knights of Columbus No. 2709. Leo is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Donna Mae Nelkie; two sons, Dennis (Dawn) Nelkie of Whittemore and Terry Nelkie of Tawas City; two granddaughters, Andrea and Ashley Nelkie; one sister, Regina Frank of East Tawas; two brothers, Bernard Nelkie of East Tawas and Cecil Nelkie of East Tawas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Nelkie; an infant, baby Nelkie; and five brothers, Anthony Nelkie, Edward Nelkie, Frank Nelkie, Russell Nelkie and Thomas Nelkie. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial mass on Wednesday, March 26 at Holy Family Catholic Church at 11 a.m. His family will welcome friends at the church on Wednesday for visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Military honors will take place at the church following the funeral mass. A burial of his cremated remains will take place in the spring in East Tawas St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider either the Holy Family Education Foundation or the Holy Family Building Fund. An on-line guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com. Cremation arrangements are by Buresh Funeral Home of Tawas City.