Richard Nelson

Richard Monroe Nelson, 92, of Belgrade, died Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Scandi Haven Senior Living in Benson. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 22, at Crow River Lutheran Church in Belgrade. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Monday at the church. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes, www.hafh.org.

Richard was born February 7, 1933, in Colfax Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, the son of Albert and Ida (Otteson) Nelson. He grew up in rural Belgrade, was baptized and confirmed at Crow River Lutheran Church, and attended Belgrade schools through the eighth grade. Richard served in the United States Army from June 1953 to May 1955, working as a truck driver during the Korean Conflict.

On January 5, 1957, Richard was united in marriage to Joann Clausen at her parents’ home in Pope County. The couple made their home in Belgrade, where they raised their three daughters, Patricia, Debra, and Lori. Richard worked as a milk truck driver before beginning a long career as a welder with Trinity Industries. He retired in 1998 after 27 years of service.

Richard was a lifelong member of Crow River Lutheran Church.  He enjoyed traveling, especially family trips when his children were young and the many bus tours he and Joann took together. He also enjoyed dancing to polkas and waltzes, sharing stories from his time in the Army, and spending time outdoors at their rural Belgrade home.

Richard is survived by his wife, Joann; two daughters, Patricia (Terry) Sullivan of Annandale, Minnesota, and Lori (Dennis) Holt of Murdock, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings, Ruby Christenson of Eagan, Minnesota; Delores (Phillip) Gandrud of Sacred Heart, Minnesota; David (Judy) Nelson of Princeton, Minnesota; and Wayne (Karen) Nelson of Sartell, Minnesota; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Debra Larson; a son-in-law, Tom Larson; a brother, Henry Nelson; and two sisters, Clarice Lindgren and Janet Engen.

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