Dick Nelson

Richard "Dick" Nelson, age 88, of Columbus, died Wednesday, July 15, 2020 in Madison.

Visitation is Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at the McKown Funeral Home. The family will not be present. All CDC guidelines will be followed regarding capacity and spacing.  A private family service will be held Monday.  Due to COVID-19, the family requests your virtual presence at the private service, which will be live-streamed on the Mckown Funeral Home Facebook page. at 10:30 a.m. Monday July 20, 2020.

Dick Nelson was born May 28, 1932 in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska to Walter and Ollie (Marshall) Nelson.  At an early age his family moved to Fullerton where his first job, at the age of six, was shining shoes. He used his earnings to buy chocolate ice cream.  He graduated from Fullerton High School and went on to Hastings College on a football scholarship. Dick entered the Army to serve his country during the Korean War.  Upon his discharge, he began his career in the insurance business.  He was united in marriage to Marie Valasek at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Dick became the owner of Marshall-Nelson Insurance Agency (a.k.a. Grandpa's Office) in Columbus which he owned until his retirement. Dick served the Columbus community on the Ag Board, YMCA Board, and the Big "I' Board. He loved animals - especially his dog and horses which he raced throughout the country. Dick enjoyed nature, golfing, and traveling, but he especially treasured every visit, phone call and opportunity to attend the events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He was a proud member of O.F.C. as well as the Glur's Tavern "Round Table" lunch group.

Dick is survived by:
Wife: Marie Nelson of Columbus
Daughter: Nicole (Rick) Cimpl of Columbus -
Beau (Val) Brown, Andy (Becki) Brown, Molly Brown
Daughter: Lisa Nelson of Lincoln -
Lauren Lontine-Flores (Domingo), Reilly Nelson
Son: Tom (Kristi) Nelson of Columbus -
Jessie, Sam, Zach Nelson
Daughter: Shawna Field of Cleveland, OH -
Alex Gallo, Jake Field
Brother: Leland Nelson of Fullerton
Brother: Jim Nelson of Grand Island
6 Great grandchildren - Barrett, Carter, Knox, Wells, Leo, Lola

He was preceded in death by his parents
Sisters: Phyllis Petersen and Karen Baker
Grandson:  Jonny Harris

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.