Richard Nelsen

 VisitationWednesday, August 19, 2009 1:30 PMElk Horn Lutheran Church

Funeral Service

Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 2:30 PM

Elk Horn Lutheran Church

Elk Horn, Iowa

Pastor Keith Menter, Officiating

 Music The Lords Prayer?Pastor Menter What A Friend We Have in Jesus?Rock of Ages?Congregation   Laura Olsen, Accompanist

Casket Bearers

Robert Kite    Karen Kite

Shirley Andersen    Wayne Andersen

Karl Christensen     Steve Christensen

Interment

Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery

Elk Horn, Iowa

   Richard Simon, son of Peter and Anna (Andersen) Nelsen, was born February 24, 1911, on the family farm located between Elk Horn and Kimballton in Shelby County, Iowa. Richard attended rural school near his home. He was baptized, confirmed and a lifetime member of the Elk Horn Lutheran Church

   On December 21, 1941, Richard was united in marriage with Leona Laurina Andersen at Ebeneezer Church, west of Audubon, Iowa. They were the parents of one daughter and lived and farmed on the Nelsen family farm until Richards retirement in 1985. They moved into Elk Horn in 1986. Richard loved to work with wood and over the years many people were able to enjoy the wooden doll highchairs, cradles, toy barns and beautiful quilt racks that he crafted.

   Richards wife died February 26, 2006 and he moved into the Salem Lutheran Home. Richard died there on Sunday, August 16, 2009 at the age of 98 years, 5 months and 23 days.

   Preceding him in death are his parents; wife; daughter Anna Mae and husband Robert Atkinson; two sisters Alma and husband Albert Kite and Mathilda and husband Le Roy Christensen and niece Jerolyn Kite.

   Richard is survived by his three grandsons: Rob Atkinson and wife Cris of North Liberty; Tim Atkinson of Parnell and Rodney Atkinson of Portland, OR; six great-grandchildren: Austin, Shelby, Ethan, Cody, Brittney and Lucas; nephew Robert Kite and wife Karen of Kimballton; niece Shirley and husband Wayne Andersen of Solon; other relatives and friends.