Richard R. “Dick” Nelson, 87 of Rome, passed away peacefully on, Sunday, June 29, 2025, at his home.

Dick was born on October 6, 1937, in Sturgeon Bay, WI, the son of Elmer and Irene (Gename) Nelson.  He attended Gibraltar High School in Door Co., graduating in 1955.  He worked as a commercial fisherman for a number of years, but mostly as a tool and die maker.  He had a life-long passion for fishing, hunting, bird watching, and the outdoors.  In years past, he was an avid church-league dart ball player and had a passion and talent for dance.  He had a heart for children and possessed many admirable character qualities.  Dick is described as a quiet, wise, gentle, loving, patient, thinker, who loved his family dearly.  Although he will be missed, his family is thankful that his earthly struggles are over, and Dick is now resting in Heaven.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to Dick’s “good people”: special friends Wayne and Chris Siewert; his Doctors, Dr. David Misorski, Dr. Peter Lee, and Dr. Ryan Porter; the Rainbow Hospice nurses Sarah, Noel, and Ashley; and his friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dick’s name to Resurrection Church in Fort Atkinson, Rainbow Hospice, or the Rome Fire Department.

Dick is survived by: his wife Karen Nelson of Rome; children David (Michelle) Nelson of Murfreesboro, TN, Alan (Michelle) Calhoun of Chandler, AZ, Robert (Terry) Nelson of Jefferson, and Terra Calhoun of Milwaukee; and 8 grandchildren.  He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, children Fred Nelson, Donald Nelson, and Tamara Thering, and his 7 siblings.

A Christian funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home of Jefferson with Pastor Bryan Engfer of Resurrection Church presiding.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 9:00AM until the time of service at the funeral home.  He will be buried at Hoffman Cemetery of Rome following the funeral service.