Richard Jack Nelson

Richard J. Nelson RACINE - Richard Jack Nelson, 88, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2017 at his residence with his family by his side after a brave and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Racine on June 27, 1928, the son of the late David and Dorothy (nee: Lawton) Nelson. Richard proudly served in the United States Air Force. At the time of his honorable discharge, he obtained the rank of Sergeant. Richard worked as a bookbinder at Western Publishing for 43 years, retiring in 1993. He played softball for many years, earning many city titles. He also won several city singles championships for bowling in 1952 and 1953. Richard enjoyed playing cards and golf. He was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Richard was united in marriage to Shirley Koss in Racine at Trinity United Methodist Church on September 5, 1998. Richard is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Guy (Sandy) Nelson, Jacquelyn (Mark Londre) Treffert, Colleen (Daniel) Rhodes, and Brian (Hollie) Nelson; grandchildren, Heidi (Adam) Martin, Robert (Caitie Cox) Treffert, Heather (Devin Crawford) Treffert, Chris (Emily) Nelson, Casey (Buntha Hem) Nelson, Tyler Nelson, Evan Rhodes, Evan and Marin Holle; great grandchildren, Amiyah Davis, Ayson Martin, Lyra and Hector Treffert, Zoe, Leo, Pennie and Indira Nelson, Vinny Rhodes and Aubrey Crawford; brother, David (Dorothy) Nelson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald (Marilyn) Trimberger, John (Mary Ellen) Trimberger, Jean Ripley, and Janice Wenszell. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. Richard was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia (nee: Clausen) Nelson; sisters, Corrine Schimming, Shirley Klamm, Phyliss (Dyson) Lloyd and Jeanne Johnson; and brother-in-law David Wenszell. Funeral service for Richard will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3825 Erie Street on Monday, February 20th, 2017 at 11 am with Rev. Charles Bauer-King officiating. Visitation will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Sunday, February 19, 2017 from 2 until 5 pm and will continue at church on Monday from 10 am until service time. Richard will be laid to rest at West Lawn Memorial Park with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Richard in a special way may direct memorials to the American Cancer Society. Richard’s family would like to extend a thank you to Hospice Alliance, Dr. Ryan Engel and staff, and a very special thank you to Me’Lisa Johnson for their compassionate and gentle care.

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Richard Jack Nelson

June 27, 1928 - February 10, 2017