Richard Melvin Nelson, 71, of Superior, died Monday, February 29, 2016 at Villa Marina Health and Rehab in Superior.

Richard was born Nov. 2, 1944 the son of Clarence and Dallas (Coyne) Nelson. He attended Erickson and Central Schools. While in school he played baseball, basketball and football. He had the opportunity to meet World Champ Hank Aaron of the Milwaukee braves. He was a member of School Police. In 1954 he won 1st Place for his essay, "Green Wisconsin - Vacationer's Paradise." In 2008 he was inducted into the Superior High School Hall of Fame for his part in the Central Vikings team winning in 1958.

Richard enlisted in the US Navy in 1963. During his time as an Oceanographic Sonar Technician he was stationed in San Diego, Key West, Grand Turk-Turks and Caicos Islands, and Bermuda. His team was awarded a commendation for locating a Russian submarine in American/Cuban waters during the Cuban Crisis. He was discharged honorably in 1967.

He went to Wisconsin Indianhead Technical Institute from 1970 and continued his education in 1994 at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. He graduated with honors with an AAS Degree in Human Services and an AA Degree in Liberal Arts. He was also certified as a Registered Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Richard worked at Twin Ports Creamery, the Wisconsin Highway Commission for 2 years, Russell Creamery for 6 years, and Coca Cola Bottling Midwest for 10 years. He was also a construction worker in Hawaii and bar manager for 5 years in Duluth.

Richard was a part of several organizations including: Teamsters Union, Eagles, Elks, Owls, Knights of Columbus, and the Moose. In his later years, he enjoyed golfing and made a hole-in-one in 2011 at Nemadji Golf Course. He was a proud 23 year recovering alcoholic. He helped at St. Anthony's Fish Fry and other church activities. He worked the turkey leg booth for the Knights of Columbus Fair and other events. He took many trips, particularly to Iowa and Missouri. In 2007 he visited Italy and in 2011 Ireland.

He was a 10 year prostate cancer survivor and in 2015 was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme Brain Cancer.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Alyce (Fred) Lere and Claire Gautsch; sister-in-law, Katy Nelson; and brother-in-law, James Larson.

Richard is survived by his wife of 23 years, Barbara Benson-Nelson; children, Scott (Kathy) Lavine and Angela (Kyle) Harris; grandchildren, Tiqua Anderson, Cody Smith, and twins Jackson and Jason Harris; great-grandchildren, Sylvia, Michael, Abigail, and Logan Smith; siblings, Charles 'Denny' Nelson, Gwen Larson, and Sharon (Tom) Pawlikowski; sister-in-law, Patricia (John) Thompson; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 6th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Downs Funeral Home, corner of 19th St. and Ogden Ave. Visitation will resume on Monday, March 7th from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Cathedral of Christ the King Church. Rev. Fr. Leon Flaherty and Rev. Fr. Dean Buttrick will concelebrate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435.Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Richard's name to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to give a very special thank you to the staff at Villa Marina for the loving and kind care and support. You made it feel like a second home.