Date of Birth:
Sunday, September 21, 1930
Date of Death:
Monday, March 14, 2011
Age:
80 years old

Richard Eugene “Dick” Nelson

Richard Eugene Nelson, 80, Rochester, Minnesota passed away at his home on Monday, March 14.  He was born September 21, 1930 in Red Wing, Minnesota to Marvin and Grace (Leeson) Nelson.  He married Dolores Kriett on October 1, 1955 in Lake City where the couple lived for 49 years before moving to Rochester, Minnesota in October 2004.

Richard volunteered to serve his Country, joining the Red Wing National Guard in January 1951. He was with the 9^th Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Division, HQ Company.  He served in Korea.   He was released from active duty in November 1952 and received an Honorable Discharge in December 1954.

Richard worked in Red Wing at Sundbergs Grocery Store until joining the Lake Pepin Creamery, Lake City, as a delivery route man.  He owned and operated the Lake City Milk Company for approximately 17 years.  He then worked in the maintenance department of Valley Craft until retiring in August 1995.

He was a lifetime member of the Lake City VFW Post 8729.   He enjoyed playing cards and was an avid reader.  He had fun bowling—especially when having a questionable night, throwing the ball between his legs, which almost always guaranteed a strike, and much laughter from the rest of men on the alleys.

He loved all sports. He especially enjoyed the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. He and Dolores went to many Viking games over the years.  . In the 70’s they won the Lake City Chamber of Commerce “Trip to the Moon” promotion.  Part of the promotion included tickets to the game and staying at the same hotel as the Vikings. At the time, Dick was suffering a sprained ankle, making moving fast impossible.  To keep from being trampled on the steps by the onslaught of the Viking team heading out, Mick Tinglehoff and Carl Eller picked him up by his arms and carried him down the stairs.  It was a thrill of a lifetime, equaled by having had coffee that morning with Bill (Boom Boom) Brown, running back for the Vikings.

Richard is survived by his wife Dolores of 55 years and three daughters, Kris (Gary) Wallerich, Robin (Casey) Caldwell and Teri (Joe) Russell as well as eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Donald, Gary and Robert (Nuc) Nelson .

He was much loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 21 at 11 a.m. at River Park Chapel at  Macken Funeral Home in Rochester.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com