Richard Martin Nelson, 81, formerly of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2021. All his life Richard was a character with a good sense of humor, a kind gentleman and a devotion to his family and friends. He had a lifelong interest in motorcycles (especially Harleys) and enjoyed listening to music. Dementia and Covid-19 took its toll on him, but he remained steadfast in his love of his daughter Janet (Bill) Reppe, his son Donald (Brenda) and his grandsons, Bodhi Reppe (7), and Daniel (22) and James (19) Nelson. He was devoted to his wife Charlene (née Peterson) who predeceased him in 2007 and held the loss of his infant daughter Cheryl close to his heart. He and his friend Susan Porotko shared many dinners and laughs before his dementia required a move to a care facility in Hudson, Wisconsin to be near Janet and her family.

Richard was born on November 10, 1939 in St. Paul to parents Rose Mary (Niles) and Martin Nelson. He graduated from Mounds Park Elementary School and Harding High School. True to his Norwegian roots, Richard was a ski jumper in his youth. In 1962, he won first place in a local competition with one of his jumps flying 80 feet and his family noted had he glided any further he would have ended up in the Mississippi River!

Soon after high school, Richard began working at West Publishing where he would celebrate 35 years of service which enabled him to proudly provide for his family.

With a tear in his eye, Richard would tell you that the best decision he made in his life was to marry his wife, Charlene. She made a loving home for him and their children, and her family welcomed him like a son and brother.

Through the years, Richard made many friendships especially through his interests in building and flying remote-controlled planes with the St. Croix Valley Radio Control Club in Lindstrom and target shooting at the Bald Eagle Sportsman Association in Hugo.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Dick’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 27, 2021 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Union Cemetery in Maplewood,MN, where he will join his wife and daughter.